Working Together for Every Student

Dr. Irving Fradkin, founder of Dollars for Scholars, always said: The most valuable asset this country has is not gold or oil, but the minds of young people.

With that intention, our work together in recent years has focused on increasing outcomes for students who are underrepresented in higher education. With a new lens focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, we are working to ensure all students reach their educational or career dreams. We share the following resources with our Dollars for Scholars so that you, too, can expand your commitments in these areas.

This spring we made the following statement available in ChapterNet Affiliate Resources. You can share any part on your Dollars for Scholars websites, include it in your mission statements, or in newsletters and fundraising appeal messages.  

[Your Dollars for Scholars Name here]’s goal is to create a community where equity is central; where respect and inclusion are the cornerstones of our culture; where every student can access opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and thrive. 

We believe that a student should never, ever give up on their dream because they didn’t think it was possible or because of societal barriers placed in their path. This is where the heart and legacy of Dollars for Scholars began. We have worked to make college and career training possible for all of our students and there is always room to do so much more. 

To further reflect our commitment to uplift all students, you can find our “Things Are Looking Up” marketing materials, letterhead, and images, available in Affiliate Resources.   

As you work to launch your programs for the Class of 2022, take a look at the scholarships offered. As you meet this fall, keep the following questions in mind to spark inclusion initiatives:  

• What are you hearing? What are students saying about returning to college? Adding or expanding scholarships that include financial need as a factor could make a big difference.
• Are you offering scholarships for all students in your community, especially those who are underrepresented in higher education or career training programs?  Cultural Support could provide a greater impact for underrepresented students. Learn more about role models and mentoring support on our blog.
• Do your programs include offerings for students considering career training, the trades, the military or other alternatives to four-year college? 
• Are you providing opportunities for students that self-identify gender in non-traditional ways, or are differently-abled?   
• Could you find additional trusted community partners to promote your scholarships and increase engagement?  

Throughout the academic year, we will be highlighting resources for Dollars for Scholars to strengthen practices that expand inclusion and equity. Look for those in upcoming InTouch stories.   

ChapterNet Updates

As your Dollars for Scholars prepares for another scholarship year, now is the time to review your program setup and make adjustments. Wondering where to start? You might start by asking the following questions –  

How did things go last year? What were our challenges? 

• Too many or too few applicants for scholarships? Review your Chapter Identifying Criteria, Standard Restrictions, and/or Custom Eligibility Questions.

• What are the eligibility criteria for our scholarships and how are they restricted?  
  Download the “Scholarship Overview – All Scholarships” PDF on the Scholarships page or run the stock Scholarship Setup report called “Scholarships: All Scholarships Information – 2022” to quickly review all scholarships and their setups.
  

What application information do we use to score and make award decisions? 

• Has COVID impacted our students’ ability to obtain any of the information we require, like ACT/SAT scores, work experience, and recommendations? If so, how do we address this to maintain a fair application process for all applicants? 
• Deactivate sections of the student application your chapter doesn’t use, opt students out of automated email reminders for sections of the application you have deactivated, and consider adjusting the weighted point distribution on scholarships to reflect the emphasis placed on each application section that is used.  

Refer to Affiliate Resources for guides and training videos on reviewing and updating standard restrictions, eligibility questions and optional student profile sections.   

On The Scholarship America Blog

• How Inequity Builds Barriers to College Choice
• Four Ways Scholarships and Financial Aid Can Make a Bigger Impact
• National Survey Finds Students Eager to Return; Still Facing Financial Challenges

Reminders

• Now – 2022 Dream Award is open for applications for full-time college students
• September 30 - Fradkin Legacy Award applications due
• October 1 - FAFSA application opens for students. Connect with your schools about FAFSA Completion events
• October 7 - Dollars for Scholars Connect session for you to ask questions and share successes with fellow volunteers (see email sent September 23 for links to register or contact your Engagement Director)
• November 1 – Online donation transition must be completed; Dollars for Scholars chapter donations will no longer be processed through scholarshipamerica.org (click here for tips to get started with Give Lively)

Questions? Contact your Engagement Director!