Adopt-a-Scholar
The goal of the St. Edmund’s Academy Adopt-a-Scholar program is to provide scholarship assistance to a qualified student applying for or currently enrolled in the Upper School (grades 5-8) and to provide another program for donors motivated to give directly to the tuition account of a qualified student rather directly to the School.
Underlying this program is the belief that a student who exhibits talent and motivation, and whose family is committed to making their child's education a priority, should be afforded the opportunity to experience a values-based and academically challenging educational program.
The Concept
To provide a personal experience for all involved in the Adopt A Scholar Program; the sponsor (donor) is personally rewarded by following the progress and accomplishments of a student as he or she grow and awaken to his or her potential; the student is personally rewarded by succeeding in the opportunity provided and by knowing that someone who they have never been introduced to, believes in them; and the parents are personally rewarded as their desire of providing the best education they fell possible for their child becomes a reality.
Confidentiality is maintained on behalf of the sponsor and student. The sponsor will be revealed to the scholarship recipient and his/her family only with the sponsor’s permission. The last name of the student will be revealed to the sponsor only with the parents’ permission.
The Selection
A student will be selected for scholarship by a selection committee comprised of the Head of School, the Associate Head of School, the Director of Finance and Operations, the Director of Development, and the Director of Admissions.
Consideration of an Adopt-A-Scholar candidate will include the following four (4) benchmarks:
- Citizenship relating to the Core Values both for new and existing students.
- Recommendations that demonstrate effort and contributions the scholar has made advancing his/her own education.
- Achievement shown through grades which will be determined by reports such as the ERB (Education Records Bureau) http://www.erbtest.org
- Need based assessment through an SSS (School and Student Service for Financial Aid)
The Commitment
The sponsor agrees to provide an annual scholarship for a one to four year period. Ideally, the sponsor supports the student until graduation as long as the student meets the performance ratings and the family’s financial need continues. Various options are available to support the giving preference of the sponsor. Commitments and a payment schedule will be made in writing so that mutual understanding is assured.
The Process
The sponsor determines the level of giving at a meeting with the Head of School and/or the Development Director. The Selection Committee identifies a student. A summary profile of the student is provided to the sponsor. Sometimes a student’s profile is provided to the sponsor prior to the sponsor determining the level of giving. An arrangement to receive the gift is made with the sponsor by the Head of School and/or the Director of Finance and Operations. Following each semester, the sponsor receives a letter summarizing the student’s performance in citizenship, effort, and the academics for that semester. At least once each year, the sponsor receives a communication directly from the student or the parents of that student. The parents agree to this provision when their child becomes a candidate for the program. If at any time the sponsor wishes to correspond with the student, he or she may do so through the Head of School or the Associate Head of School.
