“Hey MaryAnn! This is JaQuari and I just wanted to thank you again for providing me with the last amount of funds for the spring semester! I was able to get honor roll after having a shaky first semester!” Summer 2023, a DC International Charter School (DCI) grad attending George Mason University. The “thank you” I received and honor roll were made possible by JaQuari's neighbor, DCI, and a donation to AOFC. Had All Out for Change® not provided the “last amount of funds” that outcome, honor roll, would have been impossible; he couldn’t have registered and enrolled in spring semester classes. We handed him an opportunity, and he ran with it! When I called to congratulate JaQuari, he expressed how “blessed" and grateful he felt. You & Your Donations Make A Difference In Our Student Scholars' Lives Tuition gap conundrums for financial aid recipients have a potentially tragic outcome, closing doors on achieving their degrees and professional goals. An AOFC award recipient responds to our survey: Has there been a time when a tuition gap could have prevented your continued enrollment in your college and university? If so, please explain. “One time my mom and I were late for my course fees and they threatened to drop my classes… they placed my account on hold again. Once I paid the tuition they asked for and they took me off of hold, the classes I needed to take for my major (Marine Biology) requirement were already taken and they are not offered every quarter, meaning I have to wait for my sophomore year to take them. It was a very humiliating time, because the reason I could not keep up with my classmates, was not because of my academics however because of money...Funds going towards my tuition would be extremely helpful...I am so grateful to have heard of this wonderful organization and want to thank you guys so much for the help and support.” Thank You To Those Who Pitch In… Next Week Students Receive Laptops & Supplemental Scholarship Funds For Books, Meals, Travel & More
Introducing Onward & Upward Corporate Sponsors Going All Out for Change®, propelling students toward success with less financial stress and less debt. James W. Cocco, CPA, LLC · Epic Consolidated Services LLC, Residential concierge, cleaning, and building support services · Infinity Design Solutions LLC, A DC-based full-service general contracting company with expertise in historic buildings · Sandy Spring Bank · Eagle Bank · Georgetown Auto Service, Quality, personalized service on European, Asian, Domestic, vehicles
Become a Funding Partner to add your company name here. BBQ, Live Music, Fun & Games, Performances, Special Guest Speaker, Celebrating DC International School Grads IF YOU'VE ALREADY DONATED, THANK YOU! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THERE - Directions Support Our Scholars & Receive an Open Invitation June 11 Invite Family, Friends, Colleagues Every semester many students on partial scholarships and financial aid packages face college and living expenses they and their families can’t afford. Through your support, our 2023 Celebration of Achievements fundraising campaign allows us to purchase laptops and provide fall & spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards.
Learn more Watch & Share Our 1-minute Video
December 10, 2022, Ashley Ahn, Photo Stories from NPR Michael Eastwell's photo of two wallabies playing on the beach in Australia's Cape Hillsborough. Michael Eastwell/Comedy Wildlife 2022 November 11, 2022 / Mental Health Why Laughing Is Good for You "No joke, laughter can relieve stress, strengthen your relationships and even do your body good" Good News is Also Good for Us- Here’s Where to Find It We can all use some good news too with the overwhelming amount of bad news we’re fed daily; the good news is out there somewhere, and you’ll find sources beyond All Out for Change® news of how we help partial scholarship students with limited financial resources start college with a laptop in hand, and get through college with less debt. "Just as reading bad news stirs up hormones and sparks neurotransmitters that change mood, so does good news. We can benefit greatly in our personal lives and relationships from exposing ourselves to positive information." Scroll down to the bottom of this article to find ways to connect to a daily good news feed: "Why We Need Good News And how to find it." Additionally, our Inspiring Stories/Impact Page is full of good news; have a look. The Cleveland Clinic also reported recently, December 7, that “Giving Is Good for Your Health”. So if you’d like to end 2022 on a good note and step into 2023 with your brain full of “feel good chemicals”, click the links: laugh, read good news from All Out for Change® on our Inspiring Stories/Impact page. And Remember, Gratitude, is another one of those good for you “to-dos” - We appreciate all of you who pitched in this year - And thanks to our 2022 AOFC team and supporters who made our Celebration of Achievements fundraising campaign a great success, allowing us to fulfill needs for Fall semester Supplemental Scholarship awards: Lido Civic Club · Barbour & Associates · DuPont Circle Pharmacy · Infinity Design Solutions LLC · Epic Consolidated Services LLC · Donohoe Hospitality Services · Jim Cocco, CPA, PLLC · Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC · Matthews Carter & Boyce, CPA & Advisors · FIS Global Foundation · Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center Inc · Georgetown Auto Service · Residence Inn Marriott Dupont Circle · Hospitality Partners · EagleStone Tax & Wealth Advisors · Steven A. LeBeau DDS, FAGD · Mac of All Trades · EagleBank · W. S. Jenks & Son · Walker Enterprises · Fight Juice · Macs on Demand · Chris’ Marketplace · Al Tiramisu · Impasta Gluten Free · Valley Brook Tea · Call Your Mother · Blues Alley and the many Circle of Friends contributors. If you haven’t contributed and want to see how good it feels to give, it’s not too late. Wishing you lots of laughs, good news & gratitude in 2023!
Share our posts to help get the word out. Take it all in...Year-end Big Picture in Videos, Student Conundrums & Fall Semester Impact-Solutions, Spring Semester Need Your Late Summer Through December Donations Fund Spring Semester Supplemental Scholarship Awards "Learning how little of the whole is covered by scholarships by engaging with students, learning from our conversations and emails, reading news articles and books, gives me more reason to stand behind our amazing select group of college scholarship recipients to help them avoid ScholarShipWreck.” MaryAnn Puglisi, Chief Engagement Officer & Founder of All Out for Change®. Get the picture by watching short videos below; and from our eye-opening stories page; and from “Financial aid letters can hide real cost of college”, Michelle Singletary, The Color of Money columnist, The Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2022 Most Scholarship Recipients Do Not Receive Full Ride Scholarships; usually, full or partial tuition, and sometimes partial room & board. Every semester our select group of college scholarship students will face college and living expenses such as $100 textbooks, $6000 tuition gaps, housing and meals, transportation, school supplies, and more, they and their families can’t afford. Our Celebration of Achievements fundraising campaign, thanks to donations, allowed us to purchase laptops and provide fall semester Supplemental Scholarship awards. Spring Semester is upon us and them. Our Goal in 2023 is to provide larger awards for scholarship gaps to minimize the ScholarShipWreck effect. State Department, Law, Marine Biology, Opera Singer, Nursing, Medical Research. Except for their professional dreams, the lives of students we support are vastly different from their wealthier peers. All Out for Change®, through donations toward our Supplemental Scholarship fund, helps financially disadvantaged, ambitious, college scholarship recipients with great potential ease their journey toward degrees, professions, and upward mobility for themselves and their families. Video clips below shed light on conundrums interwoven into the pursuit of higher education, and the higher earnings that degree buys at the expense of burdensome debt for scholarship recipients. Get Schooled with Mary Schaffner Founder of DC International Public Charter School (DCI), Celebration of Achievements Honoree
Get Schooled on Campus Food Insecurity with Andy Sonn Faculty Advisor for The Store (GW University student run food
A newly released GAO report criticizes colleges for sending letters that don’t help students pick the school they can afford, leaving them to rack up debt. Michelle Singletary, The Color of Money columnist, The Washington Post, December 7, 2022
Let's keep them on track towards degrees and professions; and through every donation, we chip away at student loan debt.
Your Late Summer Through December Donations Fund Spring Semester Supplemental Scholarship Awards Share our posts to help get the word out. And who are these folks with first hand accounts that we hope convince you to donate and bet on the winners with us? Mary Shaffner, Founder of DC International Public Charter School, Celebration of Achievements Honoree, Awarded the Angelo & Melvena Puglisi award for Excellence in Education. Watch Mary's short talk that schools all of us in: what school’s about in our city and the US; and how that inequitable reality planted the seed for DCI, a rigorous public charter school program that brings a diverse group of students together and puts them on the International Baccalaureate track for success in the race when they get out from the starting gate as college scholarship recipients (92% of grads).
“My Posse scholarship is a full tuition scholarship so there's still a gap of housing and meals not covered unless another generous scholarship can be attained,”Paola states regarding a typical scholarship conondrum. Then Andy follows, "Dining plan and residence hall can be up to $14,000/year.” Donate today, Place your bet on the winners, DCI grads. Let's keep them in the races, in school, on track toward the winner’s circle, degrees and professions; and hopefully through every donation, not slowed down by the weight of student loan debt. And where does your money go, besides invested in their laptops for college? Straight from the horses’s mouth, not mine this time; glance at a snippet of this Supplemental Scholarship Fund recipient’s Fall Semester award expense report: “Transportation" for her (and others) includes spin scooters and Uber. The Amex Gift Card transaction report also shows “meals" from Chipotle, PotBelly, &Pizza while spending the day at school (most aren’t on a meal plan, unless awarded by the school). In addition to meals, another student’s report showed textbooks, school & dorm supplies. State Department Profession, Lawyer, Marine Biologist, Nurse. Except for their professional dreams, the lives of students we support are vastly different from their wealthier peers. All Out for Change®, through donations toward our Supplemental Scholarship fund, helps financially disadvantaged, ambitious, college scholarship recipients with great potential ease their journey toward degrees, professions, and upward mobility for themselves and their families. Supplemental Scholarship Awards are invaluable contributions to student success. Share our Giving Tuesday posts to help get the word out.
And listen to a recent NPR Takeaway about hunger on college campuses "Numerous reports over the years show that food insecurity among college students is as widespread as ever. According to the latest data from The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, in the fall of 2020, nearly three in five students lacked adequate access to “basic needs” like food or housing. And across both two-and-four year colleges, 1 in 3 students experienced food insecurity.” The Takeaway, October 26, 2022 Imagine Living in a Dorm Room, No Meal Plan Most of our 33 students don’t have full ride scholarships, and so don’t have room and board covered, and deal with getting along somehow without. Their spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards will be funded through Giving Tuesday and our year end campaigns. Student Fall semester expense tracking reports reveal: fast food meals at healthier chains as a way to pick up affordable, nutritious, generous amounts of food with their AMEX gift cards. Additionally, we see charges for: public transportation, ride share, electric scooters to and from school; textbooks; dorm and school supplies. Their Conundrum In His Words I just emailed an award recipient, "Do you have a full scholarship that covers tuition, room and board? Are you on a meal plan?” What a conundrum many students face en route to degrees and careers: "...At the moment, I've been using the AMEX Gift Card for mostly academic books and school supplies. Recently, I have some scholarships for this semester, including "George Mason Honor College Scholarship" and "DC TAG". However, I noticed it doesn't cover the entire student tuition. Yes- I'm currently using a meal plan, however, I'm still paying more than $1,000. It's not a full-cover scholarship. Therefore, I'm wondering if there's more scholarships that I can register for, so I can be all set for next semester? At this point, I'm mostly relying on scholarships and grants, since my family is low income, and therefore I have to find other ways to pay my tuition….” DCI grad 2022, studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at George Mason University Want to Lessen Giving Tuesday appeals in the coming 2 weeks? Feel Free to Donate for Giving Tuesday Now; you'll be removed from the campaign list. Want to donate instead as a Giving Tuesday Match sponsor? If so, what amount? Email maryann@alloutforchange.org. Individuals and businesses can opt for recognition.
Let’s support him and continue our Celebration of Achievements at UMD "Warm Greetings! I hope you are all well! I wanted to take some time and let you all know that I am going to participate in the University of Maryland's Fall Opera La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini! If you like rom-com, I have a feeling that you'll love the added drama that opera brilliantly adds to this classic story. We go live in just under 2 weeks, so now is the time to get your front-row seat! You can find ticketing information for the opera via this link: La Boheme. Feel free to share this with family, friends, and others that you think might be interested. I'm very much looking forward to showing what I've learned so far in my pursuit of my graduate degree! Warm Regards, Anthony D. Anderson”
To all who donated to our Celebration of Achievements Fundraiser for Supplemental Scholarship Funds, the All Out for Change® team, and student awardees are grateful for your support. Their expense reports show the awards are helping with a variety of essentials, and the laptops are invaluable. Students will be awarded spring semester funds, and fundraising will begin with Giving Tuesday, November 29. If you’d like to pitch in now, feel free. DC International Charter School Give Away Day Thanks to everyone who pitched in! What a Fun day, Friday, July 22 at DCI. Most 2022 award recipients were able to come by and collect their laptops and the first Supplemental Scholarship award to get started with textbook and transportation expenses, and tuition gaps. Our fundraising campaign continues out of necessity, to build available funds going forward for the 33 students we’re committed to supporting on their journey to keep their debt load down. Franklin's & Skylar's Tuition Gap Conundrum
When I spoke with Franklin and Skylar on Friday they told me they'd be applying their awards toward tuition. Their tuition gaps are larger than expected. If you haven’t pitched in yet, but been meaning to, now is a great time to do so to allow us to cover more of their tuition gaps. “ A lot of people think if you give a kid a scholarship, now the kid’s set…they’ve got everything they need. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Chris Metzler, director of student services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Your business can choose to sponsor at $250+, $1,000+, $2,500+, $5,000+, $10,000+ or Title at $15,000+. Let us know today what level you intend to sponsor and we will send you an invoice. TEXT TO DONATE: Text: Achieve to 801801 Donations of $100+ include 2 optional event tickets.
Volunteers Needed August 18 If you’d like to learn more about volunteering during set-up or during the event, please email our volunteer coordinator, Sierra Davey. We, the All Out for Change® team, look forward to seeing many of you, your guest friends, family and colleagues there. Sponsors and Circle of Friends ($100+) can expect an RSVP email in early August that allows us to follow up with event tickets. Check out more great photos from Jamie Sandel, our event photographer and videographer. Help us meet our goal by sharing this email with your friends, family, colleagues and business associates or by emailing us their contact info. August 18, 2022 Doors open 5pm - Mingling & Snacks · Event begins 6pm Maret School Theatre · Washington, DC An Evening of Music, Inspiration, Awards & Food Honoring Mary Shaffner, Founding Executive Director of District of Columbia International Charter School with The Angelo & Melvena Puglisi Award for Excellence in Education Baritone Anthony D. Anderson’s captivating performance with Michael Crabill celebrates Anthony’s & 2021-22 Supplemental Scholarship awardees’ achievements. Watch Anthony’s appearances on the Today Show, NBC4, WUSA9. CORPORATE SPONSORS Thanks to our Palladium Sponsor, LIDO CIVIC CLUB Platinum Sponsors, as well as others: Infinity Design Solutions LLC, Donohoe Hospitality Services, Jim Cocco, CPA, PLLC, Epic Consolidated Services LLC, Matthews, Carter & Boyce CPA’s & Advisors, FIS Global Foundation, Residence Inn Marriott Dupont Circle, Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC, Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center, Inc., Georgetown Auto Service; Copper sponsors and our food & beverage in-kind sponsors, and our circle of friends donating $100 and up.
Supplemental Scholarship Fundraising is in Full Swing, Culminating August 18, the evening of our Celebration of Achievements event “ A lot of people think if you give a kid a scholarship, now the kid’s set…they’ve got everything they need. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Chris Metzler, director of student services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Donations of $100+ include 2 optional event tickets.
Corporate Sponsorship Your business can choose to sponsor at $250+, $1,000+, $2,500+, $5,000+, $10,000+ or Title at $15,000+. LET US KNOW TODAY WHAT LEVEL YOU INTEND TO SPONSOR and we will send you an invoice. For your logo with a link on our enews, event webpage, and other promotional channels, sponsor at $5,000+, $10,000+ or Title. A $2,500 sponsorship doubles to $5,000 toward the Supplemental Scholarship Fund through July 4; that allows us to purchase approximately 12 dependable, powerful, quality refurbished laptops for college-bound scholarship students whose families can’t afford such an essential.. Supplemental Scholarship Awards are invaluable contributions to DC International Charter School college scholarship recipients’ success. Your contributions help them with application fees and travel to visit schools; with quality laptops, iPads; and funds to cover other expenses, like a flight to Portland to college & back, $150 textbooks, gasoline, Marc train tickets to commute to school in Baltimore, food, school supplies, tuition gaps; all to help them stay in school and avoid racking up student loan debt.
Help us meet our goal by sharing this email with your friends, family, colleagues and business associates or by emailing us their contact info. SOS - Support Our Scholars through sponsorship, event tickets, donations, and by joining the celebration on the evening of Thursday, August 18, 5:00 pm.; view the Program. August 18, 2022 Doors open 5pm - Mingling & Snacks · Event begins 6pm Maret School Theatre · Washington, DC An Evening of Music, Inspiration, Awards & Food Honoring Mary Shaffner, Founding Executive Director of District of Columbia International Charter School with The Angelo & Melvena Puglisi Award for Excellence in Education Baritone Anthony D. Anderson’s captivating performance with Michael Crabill celebrates Anthony’s & 2021-22 Supplemental Scholarship awardees’ achievements. Watch Anthony’s appearances on the Today Show, NBC4, WUSA9. CORPORATE SPONSORS Thanks to our Palladium Sponsor, Platinum Sponsors, as well as our Silver, Bronze and Copper Sponsors; and our food & beverage in-kind sponsors, and our circle of friends donating $100 and up. Supplemental Scholarship Fundraising Has Begun for Our 2022 College Bound Scholarship Recipients4/26/2022
Veterinarian, Biologist/Researcher, Opera Singer, IT Professional are among their goals. The lives of students we support are vastly different from their wealthier peers. All Out for Change®, through donations toward our Supplemental Scholarship fund, helps financially disadvantaged, ambitious, college scholarship recipients with great potential ease their journey toward degrees, professions, and upward mobility for themselves and their families. Supplemental Scholarship Awards are invaluable contributions to student success helping them with application fees and travel to visit schools; with quality laptops, iPads; and funds to cover the cost of college essentials, like transportation to college, $150 textbooks, clothes for interviews; all to help them stay in school and avoid racking up student loan debt. An Evening of Music, Inspiration, Awards & Food Honoring Mary Shaffner, Founding Executive Director of District of Columbia International Charter School with The Angelo & Melvena Puglisi Award for Excellence in Education Baritone Anthony D. Anderson’s captivating performance with Michael Crabill celebrates Anthony’s & 2021-22 Supplemental Scholarship awardees’ achievements. Watch Anthony’s appearances on the Today Show, NBC4, WUSA9. FUNDRAISER FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES We’re excited to introduce to you our Supplemental Scholarship Award recipients who will share their inspiring stories and achievements. Sponsorship Opportunities, Tickets, Donations SOS - Support Our Scholars through sponsorship, event tickets, donations, and by joining the celebration on the evening of Thursday, August 18, 5:00 pm. Contribute at a level of your choice starting at $100, and be acknowledged among our Circle of Friends; if you plan to attend you can receive up to 2 event seats. Donations of any size are welcome.
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MaryAnn PuglisiChief Engagement Officer, AllOutForChange.org Categories |