Through
the Rotary Club of Healdsburg's
Scholarship Program, we
focus on supporting the
continuing education of
our local youth. This
is a major objective of
Rotary. At the same time,
we effectively reinvest
some of our annual fundraising
proceeds back into Healdsburg
for the ultimate benefit
of the entire community.
The Scholarship Program
is administered by a special
Scholarship Program Committee
whose members are appointed
by the Club's Board of
Directors. The Committee
is responsible for recruiting
scholarship candidates;
for screening and interviewing
applicants, and for selecting
our award recipients.
The Chairmen of the Scholarship
Program Committee work
closely with the Board
of Directors on Program
objectives and overall
administrative policy.
Here is more information
about our Scholarship
Program in a FAQ format.
What
kind of Rotary Scholarships
are awarded?
We have three types of
Scholarships:
Academic:
Given to a Healdsburg
High School graduating
senior entering a four-year
university, or attending
a community college
with the intent to transfer
to a four year university
program.
Vocational:
Given to a Healdsburg
High School graduating
senior entering a two-year
vocational program at
a community college
or a trade/technical
school.
Health Care Studies:
Given to a re-entry
student studying at
Santa Rosa Junior College
who will be focusing
on a career in the Health
Care field.
How
many Scholarships does
the Program give each
year?
We typically award 10
to 12 scholarships of
$500 to $1000 to Healdsburg
High School graduating
seniors. We give approximately
3 scholarships of $1,000
each to recipients of
our Health Care Studies
awards.
What
are the eligibility standards
for a Rotary Scholarship?
To be eligible for a Scholarship,
a student must be in the
current graduating class
of Healdsburg High School
and a resident of the
Healdsburg area for the
past two years.
What
are the criteria for choosing
a Rotary Scholarship recipient?
The following, equally
weighted, selection factors
are used:
- Academic performance.
- Clearly defined
objectives incorporated
in a plan of action
to achieve them.
- Demonstrated work
experience, particularly
if related to career
objectives.
- Financial need.
- Participation in
school activities
and team sports. Special
consideration is given
for an applicant's
volunteer work with
community service
projects.
- The impression of
the applicant from
a personal interview.ve
policies.
Where
does money for the Rotary
Scholarship Program come
from?
The Scholarship Program
is supported with part
of the proceeds of our
Annual Crab Feed. Each
year the Club's Board
of Directors determines
a specific dollar amount
for the Scholarship Program
through the Club's yearly
budgeting process.
What
are named scholarships?
From time to time, the
Club's Board of Directors
will establish a Named
Scholarship to honor the
special achievements of
a current or former Club
member. The Scholarship
Program Committee recommends
the specific purpose and
criteria for each of these
scholarships which are
then approved by the Board
of Directors
Currently we have four
Named Scholarships for
Healdsburg or Geyserville
High School graduating
seniors
- The Bruce Campbell
Scholarship, given
to a student focusing
on a career in agriculture,
- The Jerry Eddinger
Scholarship, given
to a student with
outstanding community
service work,
- The Jack McCarley
Scholarship, given
to a student who would
make an outstanding
future Rotarian,
- The David & Cathy
Anderson Scholarship,
awarded to a student
concentrating on a
career in the health
care profession.
Is there an endowment fund for the Rotary Scholarship Program?
Yes, there is. In July 2006, the IRS approved non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt status for the Fund, As a result any gifts, bequests or contributions to the Scholarship Fund will be tax deductible.
As of May 2008, the Fund balance was approximately $155,000. The current policy of the Club Board of Directors is to reinvest the annual interest earned on the Fund in order to allow it to grow. If funds are available, a minimum of 5% of the net proceeds of the Crab Feed & Auction will be added to this Fund. The Club's Board of Directors are committed to grow the Scholarship Fund to $250,000 over the next five years.
How may
I contribute to the Healdsburg
Rotary Scholarship Fund?
Checks may be made payable
to "Rotary Scholarship Fund," and mailed to:
Rotary Club of Healdsburg
P. O. Box 671
Healdsburg, CA 95448
How
is the Rotary Scholarship
Program run?
On an annual basis, the Board
confirms appointments to the
Scholarship Committee. In
mid-March of each year, the
Scholarship Committee reviews
the applications from Healdsburg
High School seniors and selects
up to 24 candidates for a
personal interview. The Committee
meets with each of the candidates
in April, and then chooses
the scholarship winners based
on their application materials
and their interview. The scholarships
are given in May at Healdsburg
High's Scholarship Awards
night. The scholarship recipients
are invited to attend a Club
luncheon in June to talk briefly
about their college plans.
What are
the future goals for the Healdsburg
Rotary Scholarship Fund?
The long term goal of the Rotary Club of Healdsburg is to increase the capital of the Scholarship Fund. The Club's Board is developing a plan to seek major contributions and bequests for the Fund from Rotarians and other community members.
When the Scholarship Fund becomes large enough, the annual investment returns earned on its principal can be used for larger one-year or multi-year scholarships.
Rob Jacobi
Scholarship Program Chairman
Rotary Club of Healdsburg
