Frequently Asked Questions - California
I have a question about...
Registration
If I'm walking do I have to register in advance?
No. We just ask that you register at the walk site and remember to bring at least $25 to get a t-shirt. You can specify that your contribution go to a Dollars for Scholars chapter or to the California Dollars for Scholars Region.
Can I volunteer at the event?
Yes, we welcome participation from individuals and groups, but we need to know in advance that you will be volunteering and how many people will be in your group. To volunteer at one of the walks in California, send an e-mail to mail@californiadollarsforscholars.org and ask about volunteer opportunities at one of the California walks.
Walk Day
Can I run, walk or bring my in-line skates?
As always safety is the main concern, so we ask that you not bring the skates or your skate board. This is primarily a walk, but it is also designated as a "fun run" if you wish to jog or run.
Can I push a stroller?
Yes, the walk is a family event.
Can I bring my dog?
No. With a large number of walkers, please understand that not everyone is an animal lover. Also, with the large number of walkers we have to consider the health and safety of the animals.
Teams
Can I register to walk as part of a team?
The California walks are not set up for organized/registered teams this year. However, please feel free to walk with your family, friends and neighbors if you like.
Fundraising
How much of what I raise will go to the affiliated Scholarship America group?
Individuals can designate where their funds go. 100% of what is raised goes back to the affiliated group.
If I decide to donate my money to the Regional Dollars for Scholars, what is the money used for?
By donating your fundraising efforts to the region, you assist with the efforts of starting new Dollars for Scholars in the region in which you chose to donate.
If I decide to donate my money to the national organization, Scholarship America, what is the money used for?
Support on a national level. Creating Dollars for Scholars chapters is an integral part of Scholarship America’s mission to expand access to educational opportunities and encourage academic achievement.
What groups are affiliated with Scholarship America?
Dollars for Scholars chapters, Scholarshops, Scholarship Management Services clients and Collegiate Partners.
Are other groups qualified to walk in the Walk for Education?
All interested walkers are encouraged to participate, but fundraising efforts must be dedicated to Scholarship America’s affiliated groups.
Can I make a contribution in memory or in honor of someone?
Unfortunately, the anticipated size of the event will make keeping this type of information impossible. But you can talk with your chapter about establishing a memorial scholarship for your loved one.
Do I have to donate or raise money to walk?
Yes. Our goal is to raise scholarship dollars for the Dollars for Scholars chapters and regions.
Are children expected to raise money to walk?
Yes. We encourage them to, as it is a fundraiser. You will be surprised how easy it is for them. Children, like adults, do better with goals and they find it an enjoyable challenge.
Scholarship America
What are some other programs and initiatives of Scholarship America other than Dollars for Scholars?
Collegiate Partners
Collegiate Partners are colleges, universities and other accredited post-secondary institutions that demonstrate their commitment to the development of private scholarships by supporting the mission of Scholarship America and its volunteer-operated Dollars for Scholars community scholarship foundations. All Collegiate Partner institutions have made commitments that Scholarship America-related scholarships will be used first to fill any unmet need remaining after the institutions initial financial aid package has been calculated. Institutions further agree that the first $1,000 in Scholarship America-related scholarships will not be used to reduce institutional grant assistance. There are more than 500 Collegiate Partners nationwide.
Scholarship Management Services®
Scholarship Management Services is the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. For nearly 30 years, Scholarship Management Services has developed education assistance programs that work for organizations of all sizes, from those distributing only a few awards to those granting several million dollars each year. In 2005, Scholarship Management Services reached the milestone of distributing a total of more than one billion dollars in scholarship awards.
www.scholarshipmanagement.org
ScholarShop®
ScholarShop teaches students in grades 4-12 to discover their talents, explore careers, and obtain the education to realize their dreams. ScholarShop teaches kids that there is real power in their choices – the power to shape their future. Developed in collaboration with Paws, Inc. (of cartoon-cat GARFIELD™ fame) ScholarShop’s Options for Kids is now an online, interactive tool geared to 4th-6th graders that reflects how kids learn today. With a game-like environment promoting positive youth development through a sequential learning process, ScholarShop’s Options for Kids is free via scholarshopkids.org. ParentShop, available in English and Spanish, helps parents understand and support different learning styles, explore careers with their kids, advocate for their child in school, and navigate the application process for post-secondary education.
www.scholarshop.org
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund®
Scholarship America created the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund® along with the Lumina Foundation for Education to provide education assistance for post-secondary study to dependents of those killed or permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Through the generosity of more than 20,000 individuals and corporations, more than $125 million has been raised to fund this 30-year scholarship program.
Families of Freedom 2: Building Futures Through Education
Scholarship America co-founded Families of Freedom 2 with AXA, a leading financial services company, to provide scholarships for post-secondary education for families in Lower Manhattan who suffered loss of income as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
