Commencement ceremonies are taking place in high schools and universities across America this spring as graduates celebrate past accomplishments and anticipate a future bright with possibilities. But even in the land of opportunity, higher education and youth enrichment programs are beyond the reach of some young adults and children.
The importance of education and literacy are at the very heart of Assistance League. Co-founder Ada Edwards Laughlin attended Stanford University in the 1890’s and taught school. Today, many Assistance League member volunteers are active or retired teachers who carry on the promise of education for all.
Several Assistance League chapters are helping people in their communities realize their dreams by offering scholarships that run the gamut from summer programs for children to financial assistance for university attendance.
Assistance League of Huntington Beach has a strong tradition of giving scholarships. The tradition began in 1956, when the chapter awarded its first college scholarship; and was expanded in 1972 to include nursing scholarships for students at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.
Last year alone, Assistance League of Huntington Beach awarded a combined total of more than $120,000 in scholarships to nursing students, returning combat vets, single parents and high school graduates. Scholarships were also given to children attending the city’s Junior Lifeguard Program and to children with physical and developmental challenges who attend the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach.
Assistance League of San Antonio presents $3,000 scholarships to full-time students entering their junior or senior year at a four-year college or university in Bexar County, Texas. The intent of these needs-based awards is to assist the students in finishing their education by subsidizing tuition, fees or books
Since 2001, Assistance League of Santa Monica has awarded college scholarships to high school students through the Santa Monica High School Scholarship Fund and directly to graduating seniors at Olympic High School in Santa Monica. Funding is continued for successful students in need throughout their two or four years of college.
In conjunction with the Teen Parent program in some public Omaha schools, Assistance League of Omaha offers $500 scholarships that encourage teen parents to stay in high school and graduate. A reception is held at the end of the year to congratulate those teens who have met their goal.
Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga provided 600 partial science camp scholarships this year to fifth and sixth graders to attend a curriculum-mandated science camp. For many, this first-time encounter with nature is the first step towards their future aspirations.
While students appreciate the financial support, they are even more grateful that an organization like Assistance League believes in their future. One recipient wrote the Santa Monica chapter to say, “Most of all, I would like to thank you for believing in me that I could have a great opportunity to be successful in life by going to college.”
