| Jefferson Dollars for Scholars | |
| City: | Metairie |
| State: | LA |
| Country: | United States |
| Organization: | Non-governmental organization |
| Established: | 1993 |
| Founder: | Lisa Conescu |
| District: | Jefferson Parish Public Schools System |
| Grades: | K-16 |
| Website: | http://www.jefferson.dollarsforscholars.org |
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars is a Jefferson Parish, Louisiana-based philanthropic organization founded in 1993 whose mission is to expand access to educational opportunities for Jefferson Parish Public Schools students through scholarships[1] and academic support.
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars is a chapter of the Minnesota-based American philanthropic organization Scholarship America, an organization founded in 1958 by optometrist Dr. Irving A. Fradkin.[2] He believed in the power of a dollar to make a difference in the lives of aspiring scholars without the means to pursue a college education. He envisioned people coming together in communities—each donating one dollar or more—to raise funds to award college scholarships. Armed with a grand idea and a workable plan, he reached out to his community, hoping that others believed in this potential as well.
He received his first donation from Eleanor Roosevelt. To date, Dr. Fradkin's vision has led to the inception of 1100 chapters across the U.S., including Jefferson Dollars for Scholars. Together, these chapters have raised over $3 billion and contributed to sending more than two million students to college.
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars was founded in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, by a group of local community leaders to make post-secondary education a priority and a possibility for academically deserving students.[3]
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars received the Golden Tassel Award[4] for Outstanding New Chapter in the country in 1996. In 2002 and 2010, it received the Golden Tassel Award for Outstanding Chapter. Jefferson Dollars for Scholars is the only chapter that has been nationally recognized more than once.
Scholarship America was rated 4/4[5] by Charity Navigator for 10 years in a row (2001–2011).[6] Smart Money magazine recognized Scholarship America as one of the country's top charities for six years running.[7] The Chronicle of Philanthropy routinely lists Scholarship America in their top 100 lists of American nonprofits and as one of the largest charities in Minnesota.
Jefferson Dollars for Scholars programs are open to all students of Jefferson Parish Public Schools.[8] Through a systems approach that involves family engagement early on, the following programs are offered: