Some good reasons for setting up scholarships for local students

There has been considerable negative attention on the college admissions and scholarship process at several prestigious universities in recent weeks. It will take some time to understand the full extent of the damage caused by the schemes of bribery and academic fraud disguised as special needs testing, athletic recruiting and charitable giving.

East Texas Communities Foundation has been pleased to provide scholarships to deserving students for the past 20 years. The foundation began with two scholarships in 1999, and that program has now grown to include 69 different scholarship funds with endowments totaling more than $7 million. Why? Because people value education, and scholarship funds can have direct and immediate impact on the life of a student.

Here is how one recent student described receiving a scholarship grant from ETCF: "When I received this scholarship, I was at a loss for words. The money that I have received was an absolute blessing for both me and my family. The award from the scholarships that I received not only helped greatly with my tuition payments, but also lifted some of the tremendous pressure off of my Mom's shoulders, and I would like to say thank you for that. Without this foundation's and its donors' help, I am not sure if I would be in the position I am in now." That spirit of gratitude and appreciation is what we see most often from East Texas area students. It is humbling and gratifying to witness.

ETCF will make grants to more than 125 students this year, and to accomplish this feat there is an army of 192 volunteers from around our region who serve on 58 scholarship selection committees, reviewing over 1,350 applications. These individuals, for whom we are most grateful, have experiences that match the wide variety of criteria established by the donors for each custom scholarship fund. These volunteers employ technology to review and score each application based on several predetermined objective criteria. Some scholarships weigh academic performance higher, while other scholarships may give financial need greater weight.

Approximately half of the scholarships offered through ETCF consider financial need. This stems from a strong desire from many donors to give financial support to those students with great potential and great financial need. Each committee is also looking for well-rounded applicants, so extracurricular activities and community service, work experience, goals for the future and commitment to higher education are considered in addition to academics and financial need. The pool of applicants is always impressive and varied, including All-State band members, accomplished athletes, national debate champions, National Merit scholars and community service heroes. Many of our scholarships are also open to non-traditional students, including parents returning to college, high school kids working 30 hours a week to help put food on the table, survivors of violence and tragedy. Many donors have a heart to support these types of students because of the great effort they give and the obstacles they have had to overcome.

In the words of another recent recipient, "This scholarship provides assurance for the future. It means that I can continue to ardently pursue my goal to become a certified nurse midwife. While many years separate me from my first patient as an advanced-practice nurse, financial assistance allows the clouds on the horizon to part to give me a clearer view of the road ahead. The financial stability offered from this scholarship enables me to pour all of my efforts into my studies, unburdened by the fear of being able to meet tuition with the extra cost of gas, textbooks and clinical supplies. More than offering peace of mind, this scholarship serves as a testament that the efforts I have made throughout my academic career are worthy of recognition. As I progress on the long road ahead, the validation this scholarship has offered is a talisman I will carry in my pocket. It is a tangible reminder of how far I have come and of the cherished support those along the way have given me. Most importantly, this scholarship represents a precious thank you: to my support system, to my school, and to the time and dedication it will take to achieve my dreams in the future." Wow! (Mic drop). I'm not sure that has the same effect in print, but what gracious words from a future nurse!

If you are discouraged by the headlines of people abusing the college admission system, let the words of these students be an encouragement for you today! There are wonderful and deserving students in East Texas who are working hard to achieve their dreams of obtaining a higher education. If you think setting up a scholarship for deserving local students may be your next best opportunity to give well, give us a call to start the conversation. I think you will be impressed by the quality and work ethic of our students.