First Scholarship Fund Partners With Camp Ruth Lee

CARY, NC (April 24, 2008) -- First Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization providing summer camp and college scholarships, is proud to announce a partnership with Camp Ruth Lee, operated by Camp Fire USA- Big River Council. Camp Ruth Lee is a summer camp on a 204-acre, wooded tract 10 miles north of Clinton in Norwood, Louisiana. First Scholarship Fund will provide at least two scholarships to low income students from the Baton Rouge area to attend summer camp at Camp Ruth Lee. Funding for these summer camp scholarships has been donated by the Camp Fire USA-Big River Council. Each of these students will then receive up to a $1,000 college or university scholarship upon graduation from high school.

“Camp Fire USA-Big River Council and First Scholarship Fund can directly impact the lives of teens at the highest risk for dropping out by giving them a positive experience at summer camp and the motivation of a guaranteed college scholarship.” says Rebecca Funk, President of First Scholarship Fund. “We are both dedicated to the mission of motivating and inspiring all students to complete their high school education.”

The drop-out rate among American high school students is alarming and organizations such as First Scholarship Fund and Camp Fire USA-Big River Council are committed to turning the tide in our public schools. By combining the positive experience of summer camp with the pride of earning a college scholarship at a young age, low income students will be inspired and motivated to stay in school.

“We at Camp Fire USA-Big River Council are truly honored to participate in the initiative to increase graduation rates at American public high schools,” said Susan Brown, executive director of Camp Fire USA-Big River Council. “Hopefully, a week at Camp Ruth Lee will help inspire these students to pursue their potential.”

Eligible students are between the ages of 12 and 15, attend public school, qualify for reduced or free school lunch, and must submit a completed application to First Scholarship Fund by May 9, 2008. Once applications are received First Scholarship Fund will choose the students who will receive a free summer camp experience at Camp Ruth Lee and a college scholarship from First Scholarship Fund.

About First Scholarship Fund
First Scholarship Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Cary, North Carolina dedicated to increasing graduation rates from our nation’s public high schools and addressing inequalities in the education system through a unique scholarship program. First Scholarship Fund provides underprivileged and at-risk teenagers with opportunities to attend summer camps and to also receive a guaranteed college scholarship. To learn more or donate visit www.FirstScholarshipFund.org.

About Camp Ruth Lee
The mission of Camp Fire USA is “to build caring, confident youth and future leaders.” At Camp Ruth Lee, boys and girls, aged 6-18, live with other boys and girls their age in cabins at camp for a week. From witnessing breathtaking views of the night sky to playing in the mud, campers experience a variety of activities designed to help them explore new interests and develop new skills. To learn more or donate visit www.campfirebr.org.

Contact Information

Rebecca Funk

President

First Scholarship Fund

Contact via E-mail