Assistance League of Atlanta Tops $600,000 in Scholarship Funds Awarded Since 2003 — Helping more than 300 local college students active in community service who need financial assistance
Assistance League of Atlanta, a charitable organization committed to serving children and adults in need in our communities through philanthropic programs, distributed $53,000 in scholarship funds in May, 2015, bringing its total to $604,000 in funds granted since 2003 to more than 300 deserving college students. Scholarship funds are distributed to seven local colleges and universities who, in turn, select recipients based on community service and financial need. Participating institutions include Georgia Perimeter College, Georgia State University, Gwinnett Technical College, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Oglethorpe University and Wesleyan College.
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Two special scholarships will be awarded this year at Oglethorpe University and Wesleyan College in memory of Lucy Smith, a founder and past president of Assistance League of Atlanta, who devoted her life to educational causes. “Lucy amazed us by her devotion to her family, her career accomplishments as a science educator, her involvement in community service and her vivid memories of how our chapter evolved since it began in 1982,” said Liz Kiker, charter member and past president of Assistance League of Atlanta.
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Funds are distributed by Assistance League’s Links to Education program whose mission is to help high ability/low socio-economic students continue their post-high school education and to nurture the development of students already engaged in community service. “I know that if I couple my dedication to service with a college education there will be nothing to stop me,” said a recent recipient. “Opportunities will be limitless. My children will be able to look at me with pride, and I will forever change what is possible for their futures.”
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“Our organization believes that education is the path out of poverty,” said Tobi Cohen, president of Assistance League of Atlanta. “That is why we devote more than 75% of our philanthropic program budget to supporting schools and social agencies that educate children, teens and college students and provide vocational training to homeless adults. Our track record shows that we are champions of education.”
