Jennifer is a founder of the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund to help fourth graders from various backgrounds ultimately gain access to higher education.



What kind of philanthropy did you participate in?

Jennifer: I am the founder of a scholarship fund, launched with 64 other fourth graders in Peoria, IL, in November 2002. The Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund's mission is to drive a 'can do' attitude within fourth graders from various backgrounds to help them ultimately graduate from high school and then progress to enroll in an accredited institution. The scholarship fund's goal is to provide $1,000 scholarships to students in communities that will result in greater opportunities for youth to access higher education.

Where did you get the idea to get involved?

Jennifer: I prayed about reaching out to kids and the community, knowing I 'can do' more. And everything came to me, after being sick in 2000 for about 6 months. I just felt children of diverse backgrounds needed opportunities to address the widening education gap that plagues many cities and communities in America.

Did you work with anyone else?

Jennifer: Yes, I worked with the Community and School Foundation to start this Scholarship Fund.

What was the best thing about your experience with philanthropy?

Jennifer: Getting to see the kids' eyes when we launched the Can Do 4:13 Scholarship Fund in a special assembly in their gym. They instantly knew it was a special day in their life.

What was the hardest part of your project?

Jennifer: Nothing has been hard. I believe, the kids believe, and the school district believes...Can Do 4:13 will be successful in making a positive difference in these kids' lives.

How have you changed as a result of your experience participating in philanthropy?

Jennifer: Spending less time on me, less time at my job, more time enhancing Can Do 4:13, more time with the kids, more time on the Internet searching for further ideas and funding.

What would you say to someone else who is thinking of getting involved with some kind of philanthropy?

Jennifer: Do it, you 'can do' it, you can make a difference.

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