ADOPT-A-FRESHMAN (A community service fundraising project) By Ariel Nixon, Project Leader “Hi, I’m Ariel Nixon, a 10th grader at PGISD. Over the years, I’ve watched my parents help students going to college by providing them with basic items ranging from soap to microwave ovens. I also understand that most scholarship/grant awards are limited to academic needs such as books and do not cover basic needs. It is statistically known that the freshman year is the toughest year in college because of so many things a student must adjust to. I too will be a freshman soon. I believe that with the financial support of our community, we can help a freshman student have a successful year.” MISSION ▼ To raise $2000.00 to be distributed evenly among 4 local high school graduating seniors who will be first time college students living on campus during the fall and spring semester of their freshman year. I’m the originator and the project leader of this special student aid award called Adopt-A-Freshman. This award is under a non-profit organization I created called SmilecolorsAN. Adopt- A- Freshman is designed to help graduating high school seniors who will be upcoming freshmen attending a four year college fall 2008. This award will provide one senior from each of the four local high-schools with 500 dollars during their freshman year. The award will go directly to the students. To recruit community members/sponsors (i.e. small businesses, agencies, churches, and individuals) to make financial donations to this project. GOAL/PURPOSE ▼ - To help minimize the lack of essential supplies needed by freshman student for daily living - To help avoid the idea of trying to get a job which may demand more time from their studies - To help freshmen understand the importance of learning how to budget - To avoid taking out an unnecessary loan - To help contribute to their success both academically and socially while being away from home - To help minimize some of the expense placed on parents with very tight budgets - To continue to set an example that encourages and promotes giving back to your community