Every Child Deserves the Chance to Succeed

Opportunity is the birthright of every girl and boy in America. Unfortunately, all too often that right is overshadowed by the harsh realities of poverty, crime, broken homes, neglect and abuse.

Despite these challenges, many less fortunate youth understand a college education can open the door to a better future. And for 50 area high school graduates this year, a key to opening that door will be an Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship in partnership with Horatio Alger and TeamMates.

Hundreds of applications from throughout our region are received annually from very deserving students. Unfortunately, only 50 scholarships currently can be funded. Decisions are based on the following criteria. Each candidate must:

• Have a critical financial need
• Be enrolled full-time as a high school senior, progessing normally toward graduation in spring/summer, with plans to enter college in the Fall.
  Make a stong commitment to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution. (Students may begin studying at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year college)
• Be involved in extracurricular and community activites.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0
• Be a United States citizen, or in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship

Countless hours are invested by Ak-Sar-Ben volunteers viewing and reviewing application. The process can be at once rewarding and heartbreaking, as young lives are so dramically impacted by the committee's decisions. It truly is a daunting task. To learn more about the 2010 scholarship winners, click here to the scholarship page. The class of 2011 scholars is currently being notified of their award. Thier names will be released in late April. 

The proceeds from the Coronation and Scholarship Ball and the gifts received directly benefit the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund which has enormous impact in the lives of the 50 schoalrship winners each year. We urge you to consider a tax-deductible contribution to the program today.

By investing in our youth, you will ensure the development and growth of the Heartland's leaders of tomorrow.

To make a Donation

To donate to the future leaders of tomorrow enter your donation amount in the form to the left and choose Coronation and Scholarship Ball from the campaigns on the form that follows.