This year, our Club will award over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating students in Redlands Unified School District. Over the last five years $289,600 has been awarded to well over 100 students. These scholarships allow students to purchase textbooks and supplies, alleviate the price of college meal costs, provide the ability to purchase new tech equipment such as laptops, headphones, and cameras. In some cases, we’ve heard from scholarship recipients that they were able to apply the money to rent, or even to come home during the winter holidays to see family – something that would have been otherwise impossible without this money. However students utilize their Rotary Scholarships, it makes a very meaningful impact in their lives, reduces the burden and stress of certain costs, and serves as an investment in these young people.
In addition to money provided for scholarships, the Rotary Club of Redlands will have provided $10,000 in grants to various projects and programs run through our Youth Service Committee, including scholarships for students to attend PRYDE and RYLA within the Rotary District, and contributing to signature Club programs like Breakfast & a Book and the Dictionary program.
Additionally, a further $8,000 will have been provided in community grants to organizations such as the YMCA, Angels’ Closet, the Redlands Bowl, and many others.
As we continue our club and civic engagements, we continue to explore how best to support the needs of our community, the changing needs, and the unexpected needs.