The pandemic has been a unique period for volunteers of all stripes, but the United Way of Southwest Michigan is currently in search of volunteers from the ranks of high school seniors who went above and beyond over the past year. They are invited to apply now for United Way youth scholarships from the organization.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for the Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Award. The Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Award recognizes one self-nominated winner from each of the three counties in the area: Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren, who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, dedication, and advocacy for community improvement throughout their high school career.
Winners will be recognized in the fall of 2021. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship made out to their college on their behalf. Only current high-school seniors are eligible to apply.
Debbie Ramirez, Director of Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Southwest Michigan, says, “This past year, volunteers have stepped up to help their communities during the pandemic, and that holds true for local youth, too, who looked for ways to continue to be involved and help their neighbors and other community members even though schools, sports, and other activities were shut down.” She adds, “There are some amazing volunteer leaders in our community—and many of them are teenagers.”
Applications are due by March 12, 2021. High-school seniors can apply at this link: http://uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. They have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, they provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable populations among us while addressing the root causes of the community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
Shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market are the 2020 Live United Scholarship winners Anna Glomski, Jonathan Leach, and Zoey Martin. The photo is courtesy of the United Way of SW Michigan.
