SAN ANTONIO — For the first time, a local non-profit is calling on community alumni for a helping hand.
The Jefferson Neighborhood Association, which includes the area of Woodlawn Lake Park, Jefferson High School, Monticello Park Historic District and Jefferson Village is hoping to give back in a big way.
Every year, the non-profit raises funds for scholarships to give to graduating high school students in their community.
Last year, around 25 students applied for a scholarship. Four scholarships were awarded, each worth $1,000.
This year, the association received double the applicants.
Jason Vasquez, Vice President of the Jefferson Neighborhood Association, says the need is bigger than ever right now.
He's hoping alums of the high schools in their community, which are Thomas Jefferson High School and Young Women's Leadership Academy, can give back.
Before, funds came from neighbors and elected officials.
"It's more important than ever when times are tough because we need to cultivate students of the future who will come back to these associations, to the Jefferson neighborhood, to any neighborhood they end up living in to be able to do this kind of thing in the future for the students they may be helping out one day," said Vasquez.
Neighborhood leaders are hoping to give as many $1,000 scholarships as they can.
Each eligible student achieved at least a 3.0 GPSA, earned a stellar letter of recommendation and an acceptance letter to a place of higher learning. All applicants also live within the Jefferson community. Due to the high volume of applications, the association has closed entries for 2024.
The goal is for these scholarships to be awarded by the end of May.
If you'd like to make a donation, click here to visit the neighborhood association's GoFundMe page.