Last Call For Donations - District 6650's Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship

 

 

 

 

This is the third year for District 6650’s Youth Exchange Scholarship Program.  With your generous assistance, over the past two years, we have been able to assist over 10 students with the costs incurred in becoming an exchange student.  The majority of the funds have been used for airfare expenses.  All funds collected for the year are disbursed to our Outbound students based strictly on financial need. 

 

Every year, District 6650 has outstanding students apply to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  For Rotary exchange year 2016-2017, we have 14 students going abroad to the following countries:  Italy, Spain, Denmark, Chile, Switzerland, Portugal, France Taiwan, Germany, Belgium, and Brazil.  Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and life changing experiences that our students embark on in the district.  Our students return personally richer from their exchange year, ready to take on new challenges with maturity, independence, and new found confidence.  Simply put, Rotary Youth Exchange presents a very special opportunity. 

 

Although the program is less expensive than many other exchange student programs, some students still struggle to raise the necessary funds to participate.  The average cost for a student participating in District 6650’s youth exchange program is $5,000, excluding optional trips.  These fees cover a student’s outbound training, blazer, pins, business cards, medical insurance, visa, passport, and airfare. 

 

Some of our students work a part-time job, receive assistance from their church, community organizations, and extended family members in order to meet the financial commitment to participate in the program.  However, for some, even that is not enough to help them make ends meet.  District 6650’s scholarship fund fills that gap. If your club is not currently involved in the exchange student program, this is an excellent way for your club to do so.   

 

A three-person committee, comprised of members not currently serving at the district level, in the youth exchange program, review financial documentation to determine a student’s financial eligibility and level of need.  Funds are distributed only after a student successfully completes outbound training and all funds are paid directly to the business and/or government agency providing goods/services.

 

If your club would like to donate to the Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship Fund, please make a check payable to “Rotary YEP Scholarship” and mail it to our Assistant District Treasurer:  Bonnie Davis, 49682 McClure Rd., East Palestine 44413.  We will also accept checks from individuals wishing to donate.  Please watch future newsletters to learn how much money was donated and the ways in which you assisted our Outbound students in District 6650.  If you have any questions about the scholarship fund, please contact Aletha Carver at (330) 614-1367.