What is Stamford Dollars for Scholars?
Stamford Dollars for Scholars unites the community to provide a chance for our young people to achieve the dream of education. You can view our video that discusses the strides Stamford Dollars for Scholars has made since its inception and the goals as we move forward. You will hear from some of the 2012 award winners, our co-presidents, Tony D'Amelio and Jim McClafferty, and Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia.
Stamford Dollars for Scholars was established in September, 2011 to provide scholarship assistance to Stamford high school students who want to pursue their education beyond high school. We are an all-volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit with a passionate belief that education changes the fortunes of individuals and communities.
Stamford Dollars for Scholars is conceived around a simple idea: together we can step in and help local students achieve their educational goals. There's no greater gift we can give our student neighbors-in-need than access to the tools to create a brighter future. Doing so tells them that we take pride in their determination and share their dreams.
Local Dollars for Local Scholars
In a complex world, a quality education is vital to success. But higher education is an expensive proposition and many talented and deserving students in Stamford graduate high school only to find the door to higher education closed. Rising costs, dwindling financial aid and fewer scholarships conspire to derail their aspirations.
In 2011, for the first time ever, college debt exceeded credit card debt in the U.S. Scholarships are more important than ever. Each of the surrounding Connecticut towns to Stamford has a community-wide scholarship foundation - and now Stamford has one, too. Stamford Dollars for Scholars is the only organization in Stamford that is devoted solely to scholarships.
In our first year, over 200 Stamford seniors logged on to Stamford Dollars for Scholars website to begin the application process. We were able to offer twelve scholarships in 2012 with a four-year value of as much as $83,000 - a great accomplishment for our first year but short of accommodating all those who needed help.
Our Mission
Stamford Dollars for Scholars® has a single mission: to mobilize our community to support local students who might otherwise miss the chance to pursue their education beyond high school. We raise awareness by speaking at local organizations and parent/student groups, exhibiting at college fairs and informing the media. We raise funds and award scholarships that enable local students to pursue their dreams.
SD4S' Scholarship America® Connection
Stamford Dollars for Scholars is one of over 1,000 Dollars for Scholars chapters throughout America. The first Dollars for Scholars chapter was formed in Fall River, MA in 1958. Dollars for Scholars is part of Scholarship America, a national organization which has helped 1.7 million students with $2.7 billion in scholarship aid. Scholarship America has received an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy's Charity Watch and has received a Four-Star rating for ten consecutive years from Charity Navigator. The benefits of their support are considerable and include partnerships with colleges and universities that benefit scholarship recipients. Katie Couric recently donated the net proceeds of her latest book, The Best Advice I Ever Got, to Scholarship America
A Great Start
We're pleased to report that SD4S will be awarding our first scholarships before our one year anniversary - that is quicker than any other Dollars for Scholars chapter in history. The quick start to Stamford Dollars for Scholars shows that the Stamford community understands the vital role that scholarships play in the lives of our young people. This is a testament to the dedication and vision of our officers and volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors and donors who have supported our efforts.
Increasing Our Impact Requires Community Support
There are many ways to support Stamford Dollars for Scholars - volunteer your time, make a donation, create a scholarship for you company, organization or loved one.
Click to join our mailing list Make a Donation
To learn more about Stamford Dollars for Scholars and how you can participate as a donor, a volunteer, or a potential award recipient, contact us at info@sd4s.org
You can get additional information by phoning 203-885-SD4S (7347) or visiting our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/StamfordD4S.
Our mailing address is P.O. Box 3559 Stamford, CT 06905.
