Who and Why am I Fundraising for?

As I briefly outlined in my first post I am fundraising for the Congressional Schools of Virginia's Financial Aid program to provide need based financial aid for students in the Emerging Scholars (ES) program.

I knew little about the ES program when I started talking with Congressional's development director about fundraising opportunities. All I really knew was that I wanted to give something back to the school community and possibly inspire others but was unsure precisely what.

As the ES program was explained to me it seemed to be an ideal fit as a fundraising goal.
Helping students from across the wider underserved community attend a fantastic school like Congressional, who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

I have no set dollar goal in mind, only to inspire and raise as much as possible. So any sponsorship contributions to this fundraising effort are greatly appreciated. All monies pledged will go to  Financial Aid / ES program, the full cost of the trip is at my own expense.

About Emerging Scholars

(shamelessly copied from here).

There are countless boys and girls in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area who exhibit exceptional academic and leadership potential, but who lack the financial means to attend a school where they could fully develop their capabilities. Emerging Scholars (ES) was established to identify such students, prepare them to succeed in independent schools, and help them earn admittance to, and scholarship support from, the appropriate school.  Congressional is proud to be a founding member of this excellent organization and to maintain a position on its Board of Directors.

Each year, the Emerging Scholars program enrolls a select group of rising fifth grade students who have strong family support, and who demonstrate academic talent, leadership capability, and financial need.  During a 14-month program, requiring 100 full days of attendance, ES prepares these students to be successful in an independent school environment by teaching a core academic curriculum including reading, writing, research, history, math, science, fine arts, and technology.  As a result of the program, ES students are prepared to meet the academic, social and personal issues they will face as they become part of an independent school community. Every year Congressional admits at least one ES student to 6th grade for the balance of the middle school program.  The tuition for ES students attending The Congressional Schools of Virginia is funded by private contributions, grants from foundations, and fundraising opportunities. Learn more . . .