Each year, United Way of Door County awards scholarships for Door County students who are continuing their post-high school education.
If you, or someone you know, has demonstrated strong community involvement during their high school career, and is beginning college in fall of 2012, you are encouraged to apply. This year there will be four, one-time $500 scholarships for college or technical school awarded.
Applications detailing the criteria for consideration for the awards have been distributed to the local high schools and the Volunteer Center of Door County. The application is also available on the United Way’s Website at www.unitedwaydc.com. All high school seniors residing in Door County, whether home-schooled or attending any in or out of county school district, are eligible for these scholarships.
A few of the goals of the program:
- to encourage volunteerism,
- to promote greater understanding of the stewardship role of the United Way,
- to stress the importance of education in young people’s lives.
Scholarships are given on the basis of their community involvement, rather than academic achievement.
The service-based scholarship program was initiated by former United Way Youth Board members, Michele Lodl and Jacque Jorns of Sturgeon Bay. Volunteerism in general has been on the rise within the younger population, especially in Door County. In fact, 73% of young people nationwide think their efforts can have a positive impact on their communities according to a report released by the Research Department at Princeton University. The report also asserted that the younger a person began volunteering, the more likely he or she would continue later in life.
“United Way of Door County encourages all high school seniors who live in Door County and have volunteered at some point during their high school career to apply for this scholarship,” says Amy Kohnle, Executive Director of United Way of Door County. “United Way wants to reward young adults for the positive impact that they have had on their communities.”
The deadline for submitting applications for the program is March 31, 2012. This year’s recipients will be announced at the annual awards ceremonies at their high school. Any questions about the guidelines for the scholarship program can be directed to the United Way of Door County office at 920.746.9645.
