By James Lomuscio
Even the Staples High School Tuition Grants Program, the single largest donor of college financial aid in Westport and a community mainstay since 1943, is feeling the squeeze of the recession.
A Staples Tuition Grants recipient receives a check at a previous ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Application are up, and donations are down, only 50 percent of what the organization plans to award in June.
The STG Committee, which relies on contributions from PTAs, civic organizations, local businesses, trusts and more than 100 individuals, has raised only $100,000 of the $200,000 it hopes to give away, a shortfall that does not bode well as applications continue to rise.
“In 2009, we saw a 35 percent increase in applications, many from kids who had not even applied for grants as graduating seniors who then needed funding once they were in college due to new family situations or decreased funding from schools,” said Peggy Kamins, committee chairwoman. “We expect applications to be up again this year based on increased unemployment and the economy.”
According to committee member Diana Weller, the organization last year awarded $198,000 in the form of 77 grants to 24 Staples seniors and 53 alumni. Based solely on financial need, awards typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
With a March 15 application deadline, Weller said the STG Committee is actively soliciting tax deductible donations which can be made online at staplestuitiongrants.org or sent to: Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee, Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881.
I urge all who can to support the needs of our young adults as they continue to prepare for their future. If we can offer them a good education, we will have offered them one of the most important elements in their efforts to achieve a successful and happy adult life.
A. Beasley, M.D.