YMCA Scholarships - a Student's Best Friend

Did you know that the YMCA offers scholarships to students planning to attend college or techinical school?

For the past 20+ years, the YMCA’s Albert C. Laxson Scholarship Fund has provided grants to economically disadvantaged post-high school students. Here's a thank-you note from one of this year's recipients, showing how the YMCA reaches out to the youth of our communities:

I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider and award me with the Laxson Scholarship. The YMCA is a large part of my life, and has been for the past four years. It is so nice to be getting this scholarship from the Y. I see what the YMCA does in helping the mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, and I am prouid to be a part of that, and it is great that the Y can give back to me in this way. Thank you again!

Candidates for the Laxson Scholarship must demonstrate financial need, and must display academic promise, leadership qualities, and the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Any resident, regardless of race, religion, sex, of the Metropolitan Minneapolis YMCA service area will qualify as an applicant provided he/she is a graduating senior from an accredited high school or has achieved equivalent certification.

This year the YMCA received a record number of applications for the Laxson Scholarship, and as is so often the case, there were not enough scholarships to go around. But it's not too early to start thinking about next year, so if you'd like to help deserving kids go to college, contact the YMCA and ask them how you can help with the Laxson Scholarship!

Your YMCA Stories

From time to time we like to share stories from our members as to how the YMCA has changed their lives for the better. Here's one, from a member at Emma B. Howe:

I am excited about the scholarship I got to be able to use all the services at the YMCA. I'm on disability and my funds are limited. I was not able to afford the whole cost of a membership. My favorite activity at the YMCA is the pool, because I have arthritis and I am overweight. The pool helps me get exercise whithout causing discomfort to my arthritis. I also like to be able to walk when there's bad weather, rain or snow. The tread mill and exercise equipment allows me this leisure. I also attend the many classes that are offered here at the YMCA. I want to thank all the people who help with their contributions to Y Partners. Because of their continued support I am able to emjoy my membership here. Thank you to all the workers who make it comfortable for me to attend the YMCA. The workers are always nice and caring. I would also like to thank Sharron Robillard for getting me started.

This is another example of how the YMCA makes a difference in our communities because of the generosity of people who contribute to the Y Partners annual fundraising campaign. It also couldn't happen without the dedication of the thousands of people working at the YMCA. It's why we're more than just a swim and gym!

A Life Changing Story About Giving Back at the Ridgedale YMCA

A couple of months ago I awarded a scholarship to Harold Stafford. He was a successful attorney, his star still rising, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a treatment regimen that included surgery, several courses of chemotherapy, and radiation, he was left with enough brain damage to end his career. Although he’s worked on some fairly strenuous rehabilitation therapies, his memory will never be good enough for him to return to law. He’s been looking for work, but isn’t having much luck.

This morning he stopped at the desk to ask if I had any Financial Assistance clients who needed a bit of help. He’d received a check for $100.00, a gift from a family member, and he wanted to help someone who was struggling, as he’s struggled. He left $20 for Y-Partners. He said that he’s so grateful to have the Y at a price he can afford that he wanted to pass his good fortune along.

Harold is a blessing – when he comes in he’s cheerful, gentle, grateful to be here, and to be alive. It’s enormously inspiring that someone who lives on disability, which is WELL below the poverty level, is willing to give so much. Working with someone like Harold is what makes working at the Y so rewarding!