by Julie Schumaker, D6290 STRIVE Coordinator
Many of our Rotary clubs provide college scholarships to high achieving students. These scholarships reward students who have been successful in their academic careers. Many of these students receive multiple scholarships and are destined to pursue higher education and achieve their career goals.
In contrast, the goal of the STRIVE Program is to motivate, guide and reward high school students who have struggled academically and have the greatest opportunity for academic improvement. The STRIVE Program was started by the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake in Minnesota in 1987. Since then, many Rotary clubs have created STRIVE programs of their own.
STRIVE matches students with local mentors who meet regularly to discuss career goals and post-high school educational opportunities, and offer encouragement, support and guidance. There are monthly group meetings with other STRIVE mentors & students with presentations on topics relevant to being successful in school and life after high school – college, careers, finances, etc. Additionally, there are opportunities to visit local businesses to learn about different careers. The year concludes with an Annual Awards Dinner where the accomplishments of all students are celebrated and those students with the most improved GPAs are awarded STRIVE scholarships to attend college or post-secondary training.
Students sign a contract at the start of the program promising to maintain good attendance, stay drug- and alcohol-free, demonstrate a positive attitude and behavior in school, and improve academically.
Since 1987, numerous Rotary clubs have adopted and adapted the STRIVE model. Some STRIVE programs work with students during their junior and senior years of high school. Other programs work with students during their senior year of high school and during their first year or two of college providing scholarships and mentors to ensure a successful transition. Each club is free to modify the STRIVE program to meet the needs of their local student population and club resources.
We’d love to connect clubs! If your club currently provides mentorship and/or college scholarships to students, or a variation on the STRIVE program model, please let me know. Or if you are interested in learning more about how to start a STRIVE program, contact me at schumakerjulie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!