{Student Mama} Helping Young Moms Afford College

Update: We’ve raised $250 but the initial campaign expired. I created a new campaign to help us get the rest of the way to $500! 

I could not be more excited. Today, I am proud to announce the 2011 YML Scholarship! I’m continuing to take this blog to the next level and putting some real muscle behind the brand is my next move.

Why do a scholarship? 

Because I know how hard it is to juggle everything. I know how it feels to get sticker shock when you’re trying to buy textbooks. “$150? For one book?” Those costs add up quick. You’re already trying to cut back and save money, and school feels like a drag when it’s something that takes all your time and actually costs you money.

If we help just one young mother get through school—just one—we can feel that ripple effect through her kids, her extended family, her friends. I want this blog to be about more than just giveaways, or product reviews, or celebrity gossip (though there’s nothing wrong with that if that’s your thing). I want this blog to be about empowering, about changing your life, about strengthening your relationship with yourself and others. I want this blog to be about being better, growing and learning and adapting to whatever life may come your way.

So what’s this all about? 

This award is for two (2) young moms who are currently enrolled in higher education to help defray the cost of books and other supplies.

I’ll be hosting a fundraiser through the blog from now until August 12. My goal is to raise $500 to split between the two moms. Whatever amount we raise is the amount that will be distributed (so if we raise $600, we will give away $600).

Here’s where I need your help

• Donate $1, $5 or more to the cause! Whatever you have available is enough to make a difference. See that ChipIn widget right over there in the sidebar ==> Click it and donate. (You will need a PayPal account to use it, but it’s free and 100% of the money donated WILL go to the winners! No fees! Yay for Chipin.com!)
• Share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or one of your favorite social media sites. Click that “Like” button at the top to let your friends know it’s here, or click one of the icons below the post to direct people to the site

Stay tuned to this site for details on how to apply for the scholarship. I will have a scholarship committee (I will be publishing their names on the site so you can know who they are!) select the winners after publishing the entries on the site! So please, please, please (yup, I’m begging) spread the word and donate if you can!

This is probably one of THE most important projects I’ve done and I know we can make this work! Let’s go ladies!