Last Updated on March 4, 2020
Our Scholars’ Program is growing!
Due to the success of our Scholars’ Program and the generosity of our residents, we are excited to expand our program to benefit even more of our employees here at Charlestown. The new One-Year Scholar opportunity is open to all “adult-learner” employees of Charlestown who meet the requirements of the program. These scholarship funds will allow chosen employees to pursue a higher education at an accredited university, college, trade or vocational school.
To achieve eligibility for the scholarship, Charlestown employees must complete 1000 hours worked at Charlestown, be an employee in good standing and be either a high school senior or currently attending college. Traditional scholars need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, while the One-Year Scholar candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or be accepted in an accredited program and be pursuing coursework related to the Charlestown scope of business. The Charlestown Scholars’ Fund distributes up to $2000 per year for each active Scholar in the program. The scholarship is offered for up to 4 years of an undergraduate education. Each semester Scholars submit their courses with grades to Philanthropy. Then, funds are sent directly to the student’s school. The scholarship is the “last dollar in”, meaning if the funds are not needed in a semester, the money will be returned to the Fund.
Charlestown’s Scholars’ Program is 95% funded by residents and a wonderful way for residents to support student employees in their pursuit of higher education. The committee’s goal is to have 100% participation among our residents. Some easy ways to contribute include: monthly deductions on a resident account, credit card, check, and/or cash donations to the Philanthropy Office in Cross Creek or at the collection boxes located at the front desks during the campaign. Checks should be made payable to the Scholars’ Fund. Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all monies collected are restricted to the Scholars’ Fund. Residents may find it desirable to request a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), as part of their required minimum distribution (RMD) from their IRA trustee. These may be sent directly to our Philanthropy Department. Ask your financial advisor or Philanthropy for details.
The 2020 Scholar candidate class includes 23 Traditional Scholars and 10 One-Year Scholars, who will join the 109 Scholars already participating in the program. In addition to the Charlestown Scholarship, there are Named Scholarships for which the Scholar Candidates and current Scholars, still working at Charlestown, are eligible and encouraged to apply. The Named Scholarships are a combination of resident-sponsored scholarships, as well as partnership scholarships with academic institutions in the local area. Named Scholarships are a wonderful way to make a difference for deserving students. If you would like more information about sponsoring a Named Scholarship, please contact the Philanthropy Office.
Posters of the candidates will be coming soon. Dining Scholar Candidates are recognizable by their royal blue aprons; those from other departments will be wearing their 2020 Scholar Candidate buttons. Please be sure to take a moment to congratulate the Scholar Candidates as you see them in your dining rooms and throughout the community.
More details about the Scholars’ Program and Campaign will be placed in resident cubbies on March 16, 2020 to kick off the campaign which will run through April 30, 2020. This campaign is your chance to make a difference and to help change a young person’s life for the better. Our goal this year is $200,000. With everyone’s help – we know we can reach this goal!
Any further questions may be directed to our Scholar Committee members: Norma Goldberg, Roland Gray, Mel Milio, Marie Skane, Ed DeLong, Jackie Graham, Eugenia High, and Mimi O’Donnell or contact Lisa Zehring in the Philanthropy Office at 410-737-8838 x8397.
Thank you for supporting our scholars!
Charlie Eichenlaub
Scholar Committee Chair