Need a Lift?
Our $431 Lift Scholarships give former winners a ‘hand-up’ – and inspiration!
While social justice and educational equality are top of mind for many, including the 431 Exchange, the Foundation stands alone in reaching out to its scholarship stars and stand-outs year after year.
Because The 431 Exchange wants to help adults put the power of education to work in their lives and their community, it stays in touch with its scholarship winners as a supporter, eager to learn of their achievements and burdens as they work their way through the educational programs they have chosen.
The 431 Exchange introduced its ‘Lift’ financial scholarship specifically offering former scholarship winners the opportunity for a ‘hand-up’. Over 30 adults submitted applications for the $431 Lift Scholarship, sharing the unexpected circumstances and expenses that were threatening their budgets. For the majority, clinical and lab fees, materials and supplies, online curriculum subscription costs, law or medical school admissions test costs and application fees, and increases in the cost of rent and gas were worrisome.
For others, changes in their family or program situations – a new baby, family members’ medical issues, dissertation completion and costs while working full-time – took more time, energy, and money than they had imagined.
Providing these men and women the $431 Lift Scholarships made a world of difference to them. The financial help and emotional support the 431 Exchange provides often gives its stars and stand-outs the will, inspiration, or motivation to get to the finish line. And that’s our goal.
What do these adults - whether in their 20s, midlife, or seniors – say about the 431 Exchange’s continuing support and encouragement?
“I didn’t imagine that three years after receiving the scholarship I would still be receiving support, not only financial but esteem support.”
“It’s like we are family.”
“It feels good to have you all cheering me on and it inspired me to keep going!!”
“Incredible. Nothing I have been awarded since has meant as much to me or had the impact on my studies.”
“I am beyond appreciative for the support and encouragement I have received in making my dreams a reality.”
“I am keenly aware I am no longer alone in my academic journey and will continue to work my hardest with the support of all those in the organization who have gifted me with this opportunity.”
“It feels good to know that the generosity of the 431 Exchange extends beyond money.”
“The opportunity to feel I am a part of something greater is always humbling and exciting.”
The 431 Exchange takes to heart Nelson Mandela’s words:
“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
Our Fall 2022 Scholarship Winners will be announced by October 31, 2022.