"Building a Path to Hope and Health"
The Need
State of the art health care services are abundantly available to most in the United States. Sanitation and reliable food and water supplies are taken for granted. Such is not the case in developing nations. In many sizable communities in Mexico, Central America, South America and many of the nations of Africa and the Far East there are no health care practitioners at all. And in many more communities where some form of health services are present, much of the populace cannot afford those services. Millions do not have access to clean water. And when drought conditions exist, starvation is ubiquitous. In addition to a lack of funds, the lack of transportation and education are also barriers to access to the most basic of human needs.
In response to the perceived need of millions in underdeveloped nations, many charity minded individuals have turned to humanitarian service. Medical missions may consist of a single selfless individual to hundreds of caregivers donating both time and expertise. A variety of agencies have donated literally tons of goods and equipment in response to disasters and in an effort to elevate the quality of life for the less fortunate. There is a growing number of foundations and other non-profit organizations that organize groups of people into humanitarian service teams that drill wells for access to clean water, or build houses for the homeless, or provide medical care for those with no other alternatives for themselves or their children. But the demand dwarfs the supply of goods, services, and kind-hearted individuals.
Selfless individuals desiring to help out must fund their own travel expenses in order to participate in humanitarian work. But many of those interested individuals are not in a financial position to do so. A significant number of the existing humanitarian organizations allow eager students to come along with experienced caregivers and other trained personnel in order for them to help out and to gain exposure to the need and the rewards of service. Unfortunately, students are among the least able to participate from a financial perspective. Average indebtedness for medical and dental students exceeds $150,000 and often surpasses $200,000.
The Purpose
Simply stated, we solicit and collect funds which are distributed to students participating in humanitarian work to offset the high cost of travel. The primary objective of Step by Step is to expand the scope of humanitarian service now and in the future by making it possible for more willing students to participate in medical missions, public health missions, home building, and the like. The Scholarship Fund for Humanitarian Travel was founded by a group of individuals experienced in public service who have watched firsthand as young people have caught the vision and come to understand the value of selfless service. Experience has shown that a high percentage of students involved in service learning and other forms of volunteering will continue to serve once they have completed their education.
The purpose of Step by Step, then, is to develop sources of funding through which the Fund can award travel scholarships to students desirous of participating in humanitarian service who are prevented from doing so by limited financial resources.
The Organization
Step by Step is led by a volunteer Board of Directors that determines the vision and direction of the Fund. Day to day operations are carried out by an Executive Director with limited support staff. Overhead costs are kept to a minimum through the abundant use of volunteers. All of the officers and staff of Step by Step are themselves involved in regular service to both their local communities and/or to the people of underdeveloped nations internationally. (See biographical sketches) A team of advisors assists the Board in its outreach to potential donors and interested students.
Donors include individuals and businesses both small and large. More than 90% of the funds donated to Step by Step are directly used to fund travel scholarships ranging from $250 to $1000.
The Process
Students are required to submit a detailed application including the name and contact information of the sponsoring organization, the nature of the humanitarian service, the anticipated role of the student, the dates and places of the service, etc. (see application form) Students are required to submit a post trip summary of how the funding was used, the challenges overcome, the successes enjoyed, and a reflection on how the student was impacted by the experience. (see summary form) Travel scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a full time undergraduate or graduate degree program. Documentation of enrollment must be provided. Scholarships are given for only the costs of travel directly related to a humanitarian project including air fare, lodging, and meals. The Fund may support all or part of the travel expenses for a given trip, subject to the availability of funds.
Students interested in applying for a travel scholarship may download an application from the web site or they may contact the foundation via mail, email or phone through the contact information below:
Applications may be made through the web site, email and mail.
Potential donors may inquire through the web site or via email through the contact information below:
Step By Step Scholarship Fund
PO Box 924
Clayton, CA 94517
