The San Juan Island Dollars for Scholars chapter was established in 1999. Since 2000 the organization has given over $125,000 in scholarships to graduating students from both the San Juan Island School District and Spring Street International School.
Our mission is to help students achieve their educational goals by raising scholarship funds, establishing endowments and providing assistance with college readiness and the financial aid process.
The organization consists of parents, educators and business people from our community. Our meetings are open to anyone who is interested in our mission, see the Contact Us page for Board member contact information.
Earning a Scholarship
Students volunteer their time and talents to support local non-profit and community organizations such as the Conservation District, SJ Library, SJI School District, Island Rec, SJC Fair, SJ Sailing, Youth Baseball, Softball & Soccer, the Animal Shelter and the Convalescent Center to name just a few. Students must complete a minimum of 80 hours of service and can start as early as 8th grade and continue to work towards this objective through their senior year. For volunteer time to be eligible, students cannot be paid any compensation for their work, nor can they receive classroom credit. Scholarships are awarded based on community service provided by these young adults, not grades, allowing every student to earn a scholarship based on efforts not academics. Dollars for Scholars volunteering allows these young adults to experience the act of “giving back” to their community; and even though there is a scholarship goal in mind, many students exceed the minimum 80 hours and continue to serve their chosen organizations.
As of January 2011, we have over 20 students participating in the program. This year we expect to grant up to 12 scholarships for graduating seniors.
Fundraising
Scholarships are funded through various fundraising efforts of the chapter volunteers including our annual December letter campaign, where we directly solicit donations. During our Dining for Scholars events local restaurants donate a percentage of their sales for a day or evening to the program. Finally, the Dollars for Scholars Clothes Closet on Roche Harbor Road where the community may bring their pre-owned clothing to donate, provides an ongoing and key funding for the program.
This year we hosted the Thursday night BBQ at the San Juan County Fair. This slot was graciously donated to us by the Friday Harbor Kiwanis club for 2011.
The Dollars for Scholars program benefits the entire community in many ways – providing scholarships for higher education whether it be community college, university or trade school – nurturing and planting the seeds for the next generation of volunteers and supporting the social fabric that makes this community such a special place to live.