WHAT IS GRSP Georgia Rotary Student Program Georgia

WHAT IS GRSP Georgia Rotary Student Program

Georgia, USA, Rotarians since 1946 � Have promoted world peace through understanding � Have offered scholarships to international students � For one year of study � In Georgia colleges and universities.

Since 1946 � Over 3, 300 young men and women � From 107 countries � Have been brought to Georgia campuses by its Rotarians

Georgia Rotary Clubs � Sponsor students who are recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country � Let’s get District 7020 involved!

The Students � Become adopted members of a Georgia "host family" � Live on-campus at the school they attend

Not an exchange � This is a scholarship program, not an exchange

Each year – about 80 students � Make friends in the United States and with other nations � Learn about differing cultures and life styles

Georgia Rotarians � Believe that "Peace is Possible" � Promote international goodwill using the bonds of friendship and understanding through GRSP

The GRSP scholarship � � Covers one scholastic year Extends August to May Is for undergraduate study Covers colleges and universities located in the State of Georgia

Tax information Please be aware that scholarship recipients may be required to pay taxes on their scholarships to the U. S. Internal Revenue Service. Please visit the IRS website for further information.

Purpose of GRSP � To promote world peace and understanding � through the means of education.

GRSP Scholarship pays � � 1. 2. 3. 4. Tuition and all scholastic costs Book allowance Meals College-provided room

GRSP Scholars must � � Carry a full load of subjects Maintain good academic standing in school Allow their transcripts to be released to GRSP which become a part of their file. Be nominated by a Rotary Club in their home country

Selection - Social motivation � Consideration is given to the applicant’s social motivation in his/her choice of life goals. � Primary objective is Fostering World Peace through Understanding � GRSP seeks candidates with life objectives that will bring them into contact with the greatest number of people in their native countries.

Non-degree seeking program � One-year program � Some students do remain in the United States at their own expense, after their GRSP year, to obtain a degree.

After the GRSP year… � GRSP has no obligation to support students � GRSP has no control to force students to return home.

Applicant must provide � � Transportation from home country to USA and return Medical insurance $3000 USD spending money Any income taxes imposed by the government on scholarship money

Eligibility � � � Must be 18 years but not 25 years of age by August 1 the year studies begin Have not studied in the USA Must be single Must not cohabitate in any way for the duration of the scholarship Must be an undergraduate student

GRSP is not � � A needs-based scholarship An academic scholarship � Students must meet the entrance criteria for the school they are chosen to attend � Students are not selected merely on academic performance

Special and unique � � Rotary International service project of all the Rotary Districts in Georgia. No other program like GRSP in the entire Rotary World. Pre-dates The Rotary Foundation’s Ambassadorial Scholarship Program by one year Receives no funding whatsoever from by The Rotary Foundation.

Proud tradition and legacy GRSP Mission Statement is � � � Promote peace through understanding Encourage the exchange of cultural and social experiences, Advance the ideals of Rotary Create opportunities for friendship, and Envision a world where peace is a reality

Georgia Rotarians � Believe that the bonds of international friendship can be strengthened with Rotarians in other countries � By nominating students for the scholarships offered. .

Prime Importance… � That everyone in the Rotary world knows about GRSP � That Rotarians recommend eligible candidates.

Recent years � Number of qualified applicants has been slowly declining � Because of worldwide tension and the role of American foreign policy � So, GRSP are trying to reach everyone possible.

Spread the Word � A special letter is e-mailed to District Governors -Elect around the world in February promoting the GRSP program for the coming year. � Georgia Rotarians - The next time you travel abroad, please visit a Rotary Club and tell them about the Georgia Rotary Student Program

Clubs in Georgia � � Select the students Provide them with a host family - even though recipients are required to live on the college campus. Will select the school to be attended in Georgia Will process the admission by GRSP

Schools � Will be suitable for the student to follow his or her proposed course of study. � Will withdraw a scholarship offer if student does not meet admissions requirements.

District 7020 � Has not been involved – Why? � Because we get moving too late into the Rotary year � The applications must be submitted by October or earlier � The app should up and running by June of 2012. www. grsp. org

Timeline

Timeline - November � Presidents-elect in Georgia receive a book of one-page summaries of GRSP scholar applicants � Presidents-elect review and consider

Timeline - December � � � Rotary Clubs begin choosing the students they wish to sponsor Rotary Clubs begin choosing the school the students will attend. GRSP office has nothing whatsoever to do with selecting students or the school.

Timeline - January � GRSP Trustees meet in Savannah to choose the students their clubs wish to sponsor � GRSP Trustees choose the school that the students will attend.

Timeline � August of each year � GRSP Students arrive in Georgia

Selection Process

Selection process � Very Fair � Every Club whose commitment form is into the GRSP Home Office by the specified deadline is eligible to choose in the first round. � Clubs who do not get their commitment forms in by the specified deadline are allowed to choose in the second round.

GRSP Office � Ensures the student selected meets the admission criteria at the school they have been chosen to attend.

Club sponsorships � � � Any Club wishing to sponsor a student is allowed to do so Sometimes more than one Club will co-sponsor a student More than one club may share in the sponsorship, financial and host family responsibilities

First choice? � If multiple clubs choose a student as their first choice � GRSP Trustees from the clubs literally hold a draw.

One student � If only one club chooses a student as first choice � The student automatically goes to that Club.

GRSP Home Office � Ensures the students meet the school’s eligibility requirements. � After verification, scholarships are offered to the students via e-mail with the sponsoring club copied. � The student is told which school he/she has been selected to attend � The student is given a few days to respond.

Upon student acceptance � � The host club(s) is notified The student completes � The school’s application � Immunization form � Health form � Financial form � Housing form

The forms � Are sent to the school with GRSP’s financial guarantee. � GRSP waits for the school to issue the I-20 Form � I-20 is a form from the school informing the U. S. government that the GRSP Scholar is eligible for F-1 Student Status

GRSP Home Office � Takes care of all the details necessary to have the student admitted into college � Maintains constant contact to assure the process is complete.

Process complete? � When selection process is complete � When documentation for attending schools is complete � Most students begin arriving in Georgia in August for the beginning of the school year

The Host Families

The host families � The“key” to a great year � A good relationship between the Host Family and the GRSP Scholar is vital to a successful year.

Support of host family � GRSP students are required to live on-campus � However, it is essential they have the support of his or her GRSP Host Family. � Ideally, any problems that arise for the GRSP student can be solved with the help of the GRSP Host Family.

The GRSP Host Family � Literally the student’s American Family � Should treat their student as they would their own child.

No Financial obligation � Clubs and Host Families pay to GRSP for their pledge � No other financial obligation to the student � However, host Families often go out-of-pocket for incidentals (and more) during the year.

Communication � The Host Family should begin communicating with the GRSP student immediately after the student’s acceptance into school � The Host stays in touch with the GRSP student throughout the year The Host copies the Club President on all communications The Club President is responsible for his/her GRSP Student. � �

Pre-arrival communications to the student � � Include information about the GRSP Host family and family photos Provide literature about host city and Georgia – discuss climate and general geography and history. Let the student know of the Club’s expectations – that Rotary activities take priority over all other activities. Advise the GRSP student of need to bring slides, map or video and native costume – if applicable.

Pre-arrival � � Recommend the GRSP student bring several Club Exchange Banners from their sponsoring Rotary Club and gifts to share. Request the GRSP student’s travel itinerary as soon as possible. Provide all contact information for the GRSP Host Family and yourself – telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and home address. Telephone the GRSP student and his/her parents and express welcome.

Pre-arrival � � � Provide information about the GRSP student’s college (size, location, web site, send college goodies) Answer questions of the GRSP student - raise his/her comfort level and begin bonds of friendship Extend open invitation for the GRSP student’s parents/family to visit during year

Arrival � � Meet GRSP student at airport Host the student prior to entering college Assist in setting up the dormitory “home” Make final contact before the GRSP student departs for Georgia.

Arrival � � Make the GRSP student feel welcome immediately when he/she arrives He/she will arrive with heavy luggage Have a special club event after the GRSP student arrives to meet everyone in your Club. Set-up a meeting between the GRSP Trustee and the GRSP student as soon as possible – for they both have much to discuss.

Arrival � � � Find dates for college orientation and have your GRSP student at his/her dormitory in time to set-up for the start of college. Take your GRSP student on shopping trip(s) to get any needed items. Help your GRSP student open bank accounts, phone accounts, cable television, etc. Begin explaining Georgia laws on alcohol, drugs and driving to your GRSP student. Get your GRSP student’s contact info – telephone, e-mail and mailing address.

Arrival Make your GRSP student aware of � Georgia’s special pests such as gnats, fire ants, roaches and snakes. � Costs for food, movies, entertainment, etc. � The mandatory requirement to attend the GRSP Conclave and the District Conference. � � Purchase a pocket appointment calendar for your GRSP student to manage school, Rotary and host family activity dates. Be sure your GRSP student notifies you if he/she leaves school overnight.

Weekends and holidays The Host family will � � � Host the student during weekends, holidays and semester breaks when dormitories are closed Assist in transporting to GRSP events as well as in helping students depart for home Coordinate plans early in year after finding dates that school breaks occur.

The Host Family will � � � Let student know that he/she is expected to be at the host’s home for holidays. Call student weekly and set up times for visits – stay in touch and involved. Get fellow Rotary Club members involved with student in hosting for various activities and events (share the experience!).

The Host Family will � � � Stay in contact with student Notify GRSP office of address changes as they occur in the life of the student. Encourage students to see Georgia, meet other GRSP students, attend GRSP weekends and share their culture. Copy all communication with students to GRSP Home Office. Help the GRSP student with his/her plans for departure.

Club’s Responsibility � � Make the GRSP Student feel welcome at all times. Make Rotary a meaningful part of the GRSP Student’s life. Involve the GRSP Student in Club meetings, socials, projects and activities (including Interact and Rotaract). Include the GRSP Student in all of your Rotary Club’s general e-mails.

Club’s Responsibility � � � Keep the GRSP Student’s home sponsoring Rotary Club apprised of what’s happening throughout the year. Schedule a Rotary Club program for the student in September for introductions and in May to bid farewell. Invite a consulate representative from the GRSP Student’s country to speak to your Rotary Club.

Student’s responsibility

A GRSP student must � � Attend the GRSP Fall Conclave (rotates among the three Districts each year) and the District Conference Reside in the college dormitory and attend classes (maintaining at least a “C” average in each class), Coordinate activities and holidays with the GRSP Host Family, and Present two (2) separate programs for each sponsoring Rotary Club (one at the beginning of the year and one at the end of the year).

A student must be law-abiding

Consequences The GRSP scholarship will be withdrawn � If a student is arrested for a violation of the laws for the State of Georgia � For illegal drug and alcohol use.

Students can be � Dismissed from college. � Disinvited from participating in any future GRSP activities or events.

Please emphasize � Students can be returned to their home country immediately � GRSP will notify � the Department of Homeland Security � the GRSP Host Club � the sponsoring Rotary Club � The GRSP Student’s parents

The GRSP Student Must always be responsible to the � � � Host Rotary Club(s) The GRSP Host Family(ies), and The GRSP Trustee

Conclusion

Finally � It is the desire of GRSP that students return to their home countries after completing their year in Georgia � To become active members in their communities � And to serve mankind through Rotary

Successes � GRSP has many exciting stories about former students � Who have become very influential members of society � Who have become quite accomplished in the business world

Our prayer � That the GRSP Student becomes a satisfied and happy alumni of the GRSP experience � That your Rotary Club and Host Family will be proud, satisfied and happy with this unique experience!

Contact Janis Comer, Administrator Georgia Rotary Student Program Mail: PO Box 61327, Savannah, GA 31420 15 E. Montgomery Crossroads, Ste. 101 Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912 -961 -1331 www. grsp. org � The app should up and running by June of 2012.

August 2012 event(s) CONCLAVE � � First time all GRSP students come together to meet. Students and Host Families gather for orientation, fun, Saturday evening banquet featuring a GRSP student talent show – and much fellowship.

September 2012 event(s) STUDENT WEEKEND – � � � Weekend for a Beach Bash – students enjoy Cardboard Boat Building and International Boat Race, Vegetable Car Building and Race, and Sculpture competition. Evening activity: “BOOGIE UNTIL YOU CAN’T BOOGIE NO MORE!” Students spend the night with area Rotarians.

October 2012 event(s) STUDENT WEEKEND � � GRSP students spend weekend touring Georgia’s oldest city. They enjoy a ghost tour, riverboat dinner cruise, trolley tour of historic district, World War II Museum tour, and Tybee Island’s lighthouse and beach.

November 2012 event(s) STUDENT WEEKEND � � Activities include tour of CNN Center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Georgia Aquarium or an afternoon at Mario Andretti Entertainment Center. Saturday night enjoying basketball, swimming, dancing and visiting.

November 2012 event(s) � 2013 -14 Student Summary books available to clubs

January 2013 event(s) � GRSP Student Commitment Forms � Due from Clubs for Class of 2013 -2014

January 2013 event(s) GRSP Student Leadership Conference � � Students interact with Rotarians, hear world renowned speakers, and have fun! Students enjoy fierce conversations, class involvement and group projects. A weekend that encourages the students to make a difference in their world by getting involved. They learn the meaning of “Service Above Self!”

January 2013 event(s) � GRSP Trustees’ Meeting � 2013 -2014 Student Selection

February 2013 event(s) � Begin offering Scholarships � For GRSP Class of 2013 -2014

March 2013 Event(s) STUDENT WEEKEND � This “International Weekend” is a fun and educational weekend - tours of interesting and unusual area businesses – including local schools, maximum security state prison, farming operations, cotton gins, thread manufacturing plant, mobile home manufacturing plant, clothing plant making uniforms for Mc. Donalds, chicken farm, alligator farm, and a 100, 000 gallon per year ethanol plant. � Also a student golf tournament and a full day of swimming, tennis, volleyball, soccer, fishing, boating, dancing and water skiing. � Saturday night banquet and student entertainment

April/May 2013 event(s) STUDENT WEEKEND � � Students take a boat ride to the historic Cumberland Island National Seashore, They enjoy a riverside party with a low country boil, karaoke and student performed skits.

April/May 2013 event(s) � Clubs and Host Families contact the new GRSP Scholar for the up-coming school year � District Conferences � District 6900 � District 6910 � District 6920

Funding the GRSP Accomplished in four different ways: � Each Rotarian in Georgia pays as part of her/his annual dues $7. 00 to GRSP. � Rotary Clubs pay a portion of the costs for their sponsored GRSP Scholars. � Voluntary donations to the GRSP Endowment Fund generates interest which pays a part of the GRSP Scholar costs; and � Grants secured by the GRSP Endowment Fund Committee help strengthen the corpus of the GRSP Endowment Fund.

Funding the GRSP The GRSP annual budget is approximately $1. 2 million � 88% dedicated to student costs � 12% for the home office. � � � 57% of the total funds come directly from club sponsorships, 30% from earnings from the GRSP Endowment Fund 8% from the annual $7. 00 per Rotarian District dues Balance from miscellaneous sources. All monies received by GRSP are placed into one of two accounts: the Operating Account or the Endowment Fund Account.

WHAT IS GRSP Georgia Rotary Student Program