There is no greater joy than fundraising for an important cause. Whether it’s through a bake sale, gala, or just a casual conversation between friends, there’s nothing better than knowing the lives of others have improved thanks to your efforts. 
Unfortunately, some causes are harder to raise funds for than others. One of these happens to be American Legion Auxiliary scholarships, which receive the smallest number of donations annually than any other ALA fund. This is unfortunate because ALA scholarships are one of the most impactful funds.   

It is no secret that students often must borrow a large sum of money when they are pursuing their education. Even with this knowledge, the average amount of debt per student is still shocking, coming in at a staggering $37,693. Students must pay this when they graduate, whether they have a job or not. 

This is where ALA scholarships begin to change the lives of students. 

ALA scholarships are the boost that so many students need to get through college without a crushing debt. Whether these scholarships allow them to get their education debt-free, or it simply means they don’t have to work two jobs at the expense of their grades, these scholarships make all the difference to every student who receives them – emotionally and financially. 

“I am going completely free for all four years of my undergrad, so it’s made it a solid decision that I will go for my Ph.D. because I don’t have any financial burdens right away,” said Anna Roberge, a 2020 ALA Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship recipient. 

“I am taking master’s classes at an undergraduate price. I was able to get into that program because I have my tuition covered, and I reached the qualification process and all that,” said McKensi Spears, a 2020 ALA Junior Member Loyalty Scholarship recipient. 

This is what one accomplishes when they donate to ALA scholarships. They not only spare students from thousands of dollars of debt, but they can open so many other doors for them. Whether these opportunities lead to graduate school (like they did for Anna and McKensi), or they allow a student to get involved on their campus because they don’t have to work two jobs to pay for college, the possibilities are truly endless. 

Help us break this trend. Click here and donate now to ALA scholarships and make sure there are more students like Anna and McKensi who don’t have to graduate in the shadow of such staggering debt. 

(Source: Educationdata.org)

By Zac Felty, Staff Writer