Last Updated on August 24, 2019

This month, we will be saying goodbye to many of our Class of 2019 Scholars as they venture off to their respective colleges. In our ceremony this past May, we shared that this year’s class will be attending 18 different schools in four different states, and one will even be studying abroad! So in some cases, not only are they leaving our Charlestown dining rooms, but some will also be moving away from home.
 
Our Scholars’ Program currently has 125 active students going into this fall term. The Philanthropy staff are busy reviewing Scholars’ submitted paperwork and processing the check requests for the various colleges and universities. Scholarship funds are an earned reward by our Scholars to assist them in paying for their higher education. Our Charlestown Scholars’ qualified for this award by working at Charlestown for at least 1000 hours and having a minimum 2.5 GPA. Each Scholar is eligible to receive up to $2000 per year for up to four years of their undergraduate education. Scholarship checks are mailed directly to the schools to be applied to the student’s account.
 
Our official Scholar Fund Campaign will again kick-off next March, but if you are interested, it can be a convenient option to sign up for a monthly deduction on your Resident Account (any amount you are comfortable with), a monthly credit card charge, or just drop off a donation at the Philanthropy Office in Cross Creek any time. Another option that more and more residents are taking advantage of is the IRA Charitable Rollover using your IRA Required Minimum Distribution, which can have great tax benefits for you. Please consult your financial advisor for detailed information and forms. Your donations to the Scholars’ Fund is a thank you to all the dedicated student employees that serve us every day. All the monies donated to the Scholars’ Fund and are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law.
 
We once again thank each of our residents who make donations to our Scholars’ Fund. This program is only as successful as the residents that fund it, and we have been so fortunate to have your consistent support. These scholarships help to alleviate some of the financial burden that our student employees experience in the pursuit of their education, and can sometimes make the difference in them being able to earn their degrees.
 
Any Scholars’ Fund questions may be directed to our Scholar Committee members: Pat Kasuda, Norma Goldberg, Roland Gray, Mel Milio, Marie Skane, Ed Delong, Jackie Graham, Eugenia High, myself, or contact Lisa Zehring in the Philanthropy Office at 410-737-8892 or ext. 601-8397.
 
Also, stop by and say hello and ask questions at our table during the Fruits of our Labor event on September 13, 2019.
 
Thank you for supporting our Charlestown Scholars!
 
Charlie Eichenlaub
Scholar Committee Chair