Pittsfield was the second chapter of the "Dollars for Scholars" Organization which now has chapters located across the United States, providing in excess of $8 Million a year to graduating seniors from local high schools. During its 50 year life- span, our chapter has helped over 2610 students with gifts ranging from $200 to $1,000, granted for the first year of attendance at any two or four year college, Our funds come from both the private and public sectors of our community. Attached is a copy of our 2010 scholarship awards and the contributing area businesses. Because we are a volunteer organization, our expenses (postage printing, etc.) are for the most part covered by the businesses we represent. We are proud that this strong community support enables 100 percent of every dollar we collect to go out in scholarships.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of local area business people and interested citizens, plus two student representatives from each of the local high schools. Student representatives are responsible for organizing and supervising fund-raising events such as a Tri School Basketball Game, Tollgate collection at major intersections around Pittsfield, raffles, etc. These events have been extremely successful, contributing upwards of $ 8,000 to our scholarship fund each year.

Board members develop administrative policy, solicit funds and volunteers, and work with students on their fundraising efforts. We solicit applications annually from interested students, along with financial information from their parents, A committee has devised formulas to calculate financial need, and the Guidance Directors from the local high school inform us of other financial assistance which students may be receiving.

Our scholarships are based on financial need and academic standing, which we attempt to balance in determining who gets how much in a scholarship. Guidance counselors from each school serving on the committee that evaluate each application provide background and also advise on the citizenship of each candidate, another important consideration. After reviewing and evaluating all scholarship and financial applications a list of eligible candidates is prepared for the Awards Committee. This is not an easy process because in most years we have more applications for assistance than we can possibly hope to fulfill.

Our track record is impressive; last year we awarded scholarships totaling $ 15,000 to 45 graduating senior from the three local high schools. We are committed to expanding our volunteer and financial resources to enable our youth to seek a better future through higher education.