Q: (Initially posted on December 15, 2003) FROM MEMBER JUANA IN NY
I've been invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, but I cant afford the cost. The tuition is $1990. Do you know of any organizations/people/ foundations I can write to that would be willing to give me a scholarship for this 10-day summer program in Massachusetts?
I was hoping to receive a scholarship from the program, but I was told last week that I did not get it. So I have until December 30 to raise the money, and I've tried to call medical organizations but all have said they don't give those sort of scholarships. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can raise my own funds?

Thanks,
Juana, NY

December 20, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR SUZAN SONG IN IL
Ahhh... the funding problem. I've been here many a times before. It is
difficult to raise money, but this is where your friends and family can help
out. I've learned that it takes work. Most of my fund-raising was by menial
things - I would buy a box of candy bars from a wholesale place, then sell them
at school - you can make lots! Or ask family members for a couple $100 as a
loan that you'll pay back in 20 years (this takes work). If you belong to a
church, they may help. I dont' know any specific orgs that would give money...
You could approach your high school/college for funding and tell them that in
return, you'll give a presentation to the school (I did this once in college
and once in med school). In high school, I always just worked at an ice cream
store or sold random things (such as my clothes and books)... sounds silly, but
you'd be amazed at how much you can raise. Take care and good luck!
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December 17, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR ELIZABETH HINCHEY IN RI
Dear Juana-
Congratulations on being invited to attend the National Youth Leadership
Forum on Medicine! Just off the top of my head, I would suggest meeting
with your high school guidance counselor- maybe she/he can help you
brainstorm about potential sources of grants and scholarships from other
agencies. Also, maybe there is a business in your town that would like
to sponsor you- they would be able to advertise that they helped you go
to this conference, and you could tell them you would give a talk to
their organization upon your return, explaining what you learned and
thanking them. I seem to recall groups like the Lions Clubs sponsoring
teens in my hometown when I was young.

Good luck!
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A: FROM MENTOR CHANDRA INGLIS IN WV
Juana, try asking local businesses in your area to sponsor you, try your
parents and extended families work as well. Contact your local news
organizations and papers and see if they would be willing to help either
financially, or by telling your story. It is Christmas time and maybe
someone out there would be able to gift you the money if they only knew.
Good Luck!
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A: FROM MENTOR WANDA RITCHIE IN MA
Dear Juana, I serve on an Education Council which is a team of business
leaders, government officials and educators who work together to fund and
resource special programs in the city school system. If you have an
Education Council in your area, they may be willing to consider your
scholarship request. The parent-teacher association at your school may be
able to help you locate an "education council" type group.

Sometimes local Chamber of Commerce organizations also provide special
scholarships. If they are unable to help you directly, they may be able to
direct you to a charitable organization in your area which may fund this
type of program.

Local Police/Fire Departments often have scholarship funds as well.

Good Luck with your fund raising efforts!