Completly off topic

[donaldb]

Okay, I applaud your gift.  However, the whole process of an essay or anything written may defeat the very ones you wish to help.  I know of what I am speaking.  I am the testing coordinator for a college.   Today, the economically challenged are typically not going to fare well with written expression.  Sad, but true.  My suggestion would be to totally think outside the box.  In fact, throw the box away.  Come up with a completely knew process and look for heart.  You will know the one when you meet her/him.Perhaps you could utilize interviews.  Perhaps video requests.  Something that shows you what type of person is inside, not what they currently know.  Look for potential.  Look for a dream.

excellent idea!!!!

It is an excellent idea, however remain mindful that when you remove standard(s), assigned level playing fields, and choose in such suggested discretionary manners (even w/your own $) you can/could possibly open yourself up to very ugly allegations involving race, ***, age, etc. Should you allow yourself to be pulled into that mess and your gracious and kind gift may end up being used for legal fees! As ugly as this seems, that is a part of our society today. Just make sure you dont allow yourself to give the unintentional perception that you are favoring any one "class" over time. Personally, I like Scab's recommendation(s), but the more personal your involvment means you are more likely to know the race of those applying, the *** and age as well. Remain mindful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You look back over time and see a pattern of all females or all whites, then you can bet someone else sees that pattern too. I would hate for you to have to make a decision that you cant pick this deserving person (best candidate) this year because I picked the same *** or race last year and I don't want to give the impression of favoritism. Used to be, it was your $ to do so as you please, not anymore, least not in this situation I dont believe. Good luck, wish I had those type problems to deal with, you are a lucky man. I think if I were you I would run this issue by an atty for a little legal advice.

 

[Scab]

Checking the legal issues is a given, but if I am not mistaken, with a private scholarship, you can do whatever you wish.

As for persons wishing to enter college being able to write, you all may want to consider the time you have been removed from higher education and the current state of secondary education in this country. I am sorry to state that any standard skill levels being assumed of any high school graduate are a pipe dream. The secondary educational system has deteriorated to such an extent that we are now mandated by law to test for these "minimum standards" for every student wishing to enroll in college. Since our college is a public school, the lack of basic reading, writing, and mathematic skills does not grant us right to refuse entrance. We are also required to provide remedial coursework for all students that do not meet these minimal standards.

While all this is sad, it is not reflective of the prospective student's ability to learn, but reflective of what has already been learned. What has already been learned by these prospective students is a result of many, many factors from the quality of the school they attended, quality of teachers, parental involvement, economic considerations, etc., etc.

While the skills of the average entering freshman is frightening, I can say that there are many, many success stories from these same persons when given opportunity and support.

It's just my two cents, but I think some deserving individuals would be overlooked if the only criteria were their present ability to write a cohesive paragraph.

Sadly, the ability to write is a large consideration of most scholarships. The unfortunate part of this is that typically, these students who can write well are from a supportive environment that usually does not reflect poverty. In other words, there are often other means by which they can attend college. For the poor and unskilled, there is typically nothing.

I am not, nor have I ever been considered a liberal in favor of "hand-outs". However, if I were fortunate enough to have the financial means to make a difference, I would desperately seek an avenue that would grant fair opportunity to all and not just current academic achievers.

Shake up the status-quo. Who knows what brilliance lies within the minds of the ones we overlook. Just turn the key.

 

[Woodstock]

Of course, some deserving candidates will be left out, it's a single (generous) gift. There are thousands (tens of thousands?) of deserving candiates.

The point is to make a difference in one specific/identifyable person's life. I applaud that.