Through the Plus It Forward Passport Program, students have the opportunity to be considered for a $2,500 scholarship by volunteering at designated metro area nonprofits, and writing an essay
ST. PAUL, MN (October 1, 2013) -- Finding time to volunteer between attending class, doing homework, and holding a part-time job to help pay for their education can be a challenge for college students. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had the opportunity to be considered for a $2,500 scholarship when they volunteer? Now they can through the Plus It Forward Passport Program at Affinity Plus.
Plus It Forward is Affinity Plus’ campaign that supports and recognizes people who make a difference in the lives of others by performing an act of kindness.
Not ironically, the Passport Program provides interested students with a passport that lists the information of 11 nonprofit organizations that are located in the metro area at which they can volunteer. These nonprofit organizations give one sticker to students for each hour they spend volunteering, and students place the sticker on a designated page in the passport.
To be considered for the $2,500 scholarship, students must submit their passport along with a completed Scholarship Application and essay. The passport and application can be picked up at the Affinity Plus-University branch located at 2520 University Ave SE in Minneapolis, and the University of Minnesota’s Community Service-Learning Center. Applications will be accepted now through December 20.
“We wanted to recognize students for their actions and dedication to improving the lives of others,” states Ben Hering, Passport Program Administrator. “As an organization, Affinity Plus is committed to changing the world, one person at a time, which is why we’re inspiring students to Plus It Forward in their communities for the opportunity to win a scholarship.”
The first Plus It Forward Passport Scholarship was awarded to Stephen Kwong, a Sociology major and Pre-Pharmacology student at the University of Minnesota. Kwong embraced the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship wholeheartedly which was demonstrated by his decision to take two weeks off work to volunteer and make a positive impact in his community. The hours he spent volunteering are nothing short of impressive and include:
- Helping youth develop better language skills at People Serving People (logged more than 40 hours)
- Constructing homes for families in need with Habitat for Humanity (logged more than 43 hours)
- Creating white origami shapes and animals for patients and their families at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota to decorate (logged more than 70 hours)
Reflecting on the experience he had participating in the Plus It Forward Passport Program, Kwong said, “Our lives may be hectic and exhausting every day, but every day I take a step back and smile to not only lift my own spirit but others. When everyone around me is happy, a steady rollercoaster of happy individuals would be around me; a community of people who can take a minute to smile and impact others.”
About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative that puts people first above profits. We are committed to empowering consumers – for knowledge, for understanding and to know there are alternatives that focus on the success of people, not the bottom line. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member –centric products and programs. Affinity Plus is the largest credit union in Minnesota with state-based assets and has 27 branches located throughout the state. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Affinity Plus is based in St. Paul and is owned by more than 170,000 members. Through a broad range of eligibility criteria, almost anyone can become a member of Affinity Plus. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling 800-322-7228.