Scholarship Awards Programs

Education is at the heart of the Uncommon Friends Foundation mission. Scholarships help people of all ages, all socioeconomic groups and with all varieties of career goals realize their full potential by finding the right dream and pursuing it. Each award has multiple effects because recipients have demonstrated a commitment to helping others and because, with education, recipients will contribute to the economy and society. Some awards recognize demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. Other awards are for people with extraordinary potential who have overcome great obstacles and, via education, will move into the mainstream of the economy and society. Most Uncommon Friends scholarships are intended to assist with costs prior to a time when the student might qualify for other financial aid. Over thirty social service agencies and schools were invited to nominate candidates. Panels of citizens then evaluated nominations and selected recipients.

The scholarship program began with a generous gift from Mrs. Berne Davis in memory of her late husband, civic leader Sidney Davis, and she has made subsequent annual major gifts. Other donors greatly help the program every year. Every donor of a small gift or a large gift is helping to improve individual lives and, consequently, the community. Additional support is needed.