WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – The Community Foundation Promise Scholarship program is up and running for its second year. Promise Scholarships are available to ALL students in grades 4 through 8. Students earn Promise Scholarships by regular savings and for completing the work they are doing as part of their school curriculum.
The Promise Scholarship Program is partnering with the 1:1 Fund, a national initiative of Prosperity Now to support children’s savings accounts through fundraising matches. During the week of September 11-15, every contribution up to $500 will be matched dollar for dollar by the 1:1 Fund. The Foundation’s goal is to raise $30,000 in contributions, for a total of $60,000 to be invested and used for youth scholarships. Contributions can be made at donate.wabashcountyymca.org/cfwabash
Program directors Nancy Alspaugh and Joanne Case spent the summer conducting focus groups to help fine tune the college and career scholarship program, update program criteria, and create materials for the new school year. Joanne and Nancy have been active at local school open houses, back to school nights, registrations, and meetings with teachers. They will also visit individual classrooms to speak with students, making them aware of their scholarship assets and opportunities.
Preliminary research demonstrates that students with college and career savings accounts are three times more likely to pursue education after high school. Having these accounts influences how children think about their future and positively encourages student behaviors and expectations. Additionally, scholarships and savings awarded and invested early reduce financial barriers to pursuing education after high school.
When the Promise Scholarship program launched in the 2016-2017 school year, approximately 450 local students enrolled. The Foundation is pleased to announce that as the second year of the program takes off, enrollment has more than doubled, with over 900 students currently in the program.
Enrollment for this school year is open until October 30. Every student that participates in the Community Foundation Promise Scholarship Program can earn up to $830 in post-secondary scholarships. The program aims to provide all Wabash County students with the assets for their future and to nurture an identity to pursue and persist in education.
A thriving Wabash County economy depends on an educated workforce. With 80% of jobs requiring training or education after high school, Promise Scholarships aim to help current students in grades 4 through 8 pursue education and fill the needs of the workforce. Investing in Promise Scholarships is an investment in the Wabash County community and its future. We hope that you will join us in helping our students earn and save money for college or career training.