Scholarship opportunity helps fund education

A partnership between Kiwanis International and the Corporation for (US) National and Community Service allows clubs to possibly double their scholarship dollars.

When a Kiwanis club awards a $500 scholarship to a high school senior or junior, for example, the US-based service organization, through its Presidential Freedom Scholarship Program, could match it. The matching scholarship program covers two scholarships of up to $500 each per club per year.

Though the deadline for 2005 has passed, now is the time clubs should consider adding this scholarship opportunity to the 2005-06 budget. Information about the scholarships usually is posted by April 1 with a deadline near July 1 each year.

This past year, Kiwanis clubs provided matching funds for 287 students. This year, the service corporation is offering up to 7,800 scholarships. If you know a high school junior or senior who has completed at least 100 service hours and is receiving at least $500 in Kiwanis scholarship money, contact Dina Paxenos, program manager for Presidential Freedom Scholarships, at 202-742-5324 or click here.