PRLog (Press Release) -
Dec 30, 2008 -
Richmond, VA and Palm Beach Gardens, FL. —December 30, 2008— GRASP (The Greater Richmond Area Scholarship Program, Inc.) (www.GRASP4Virginia.com)
, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in 1983 by 12th district Virginia State Senator Walter Stosch and other concerned individuals who saw the need to assist students in developing a game plan after high school. Highly trained GRASP advisors are present in 36 Central Virginia High Schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond and work weekly with students to assist them to develop a plan to pursue after high school, which could include a four-year institution, community college, technical/vocational school, or career in a branch of the military. The goal of GRASP is to ensure that students become self reliant and successful employees and citizens of tomorrow. GRASP schools include 4 private schools and 32 public schools in the City of Richmond and 7 surrounding counties.
BuZZfund, Inc. provides a Web-based eScholarship social community for higher education in the United States. Buzzfund has reengineered the scholarship creation and application processes. Students create an electronic profile showcasinhg their accomplishments, needs, and aspirations;
rather than applying to each desired scholarship separately. Donors evaluate prospects, and award their scholarship online. Donations are accepted through the Big Gift Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations route directly to the appropriate university, on behalf of the student. The concept of thousands of students applying for one scholarship will be replaced with one student applying to millions of prospective donors. BuZZfund provides students, donors, schools, corporations, foundations, and civic organizations with social network features unavailable from micro-loan platforms. The goals are to eliminate debt, promote mentoring, reduce attrition, expand enrollment, create internships and provide employers direct access to potential hires. Students, donors, or others wishing to join the community and effectuate true social change can register at www.buzzfund.com.
“By teaming with BuZZfund, our advisors have another funding resource to share with their students,” said Sarah Huggins, GRASP Executive Director. “After creation of the students’ plan, advisors can assist in the creation of a complete profile (scholarship application)
to properly showcase themselves to BuZZfund’s community of donors. Our hope is that the BuZZfund community will complement our success in raising corporate donations with individual contributions.”
“We are excited to have a partner like GRASP. This organization works face-to-face with the students, while we provide a technology platform that enables scalability and geographic reach,” said Larry Thompson, CEO of BuZZfund, Inc. “Together, GRASP and BuZZfund provide students with the plan and funds to turn their dreams into reality. We have the opportunity to invest in our students and secure their future by helping them establish a firm financial foundation as they enter the workforce.”
Photo:
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