Easing the burden of financing college - Siloam Springs School District 21

School Administrator, March, 2003

Siloam Springs School District is the Arkansas winner of The Civic Star Award for a program that has provided 1,944 students with scholarships totaling $4 million since 1977.

The Siloam Springs High School Scholarship Program is based on contributions from groups, businesses and individuals in the community. It began when two mothers expressed their concern to the school principal about the small number of academic scholarships given to members of the graduating class of 1976.

The principal pursued the matter, and in 1977, 27 scholarships totaling $10,000 were awarded to 24 students. The high school hired a pan-time scholarship director to expand the program. The director raised scholarship funds by visiting businesses, organizations and individuals in the community explaining the need for scholarship contributions,

In addition, a scholarship committee consisting of the principal, scholarship director, school counselor and four at-large community leaders was formed. The committee, which has since been expanded, helps select scholarship recipients. It continues to meet periodically during the school year.

The program is now directed by a community relations director and an assistant scholarship director. By turning in a single application to the program's scholarship office in December, seniors become eligible for more than 350 scholarships. Copies of the applications are made and distributed to the various donors for consideration for their scholarships.

Scholarships have been given by businesses, utilities, foundations, individuals, clubs and service organizations, anonymous donors, alumni classes, endowments, county organizations, financial institutions, the medical field and school organizations and as memorials.

The program has been recognized by former presidents Ronald Reagan when he was in the White House and Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.

One of the most common remarks of scholarship recipients is how gratifying it is to know that the community supports them and is willing to invest in their future. The program has also helped foster a strong sense of civic pride within the community.

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT:

Ken Ramey, Superintendent

Siloam Springs School District 21

1500 West Jefferson, Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Phone: 479-524-3191

E-mail: kramey@pride.nwsc.k12.ar.us

Web: htlp://sssd.k12.ar.us