Our Mission
To provide financing for scholarships awarded each year to students of our greater community, with the belief that the future of our community and country can be strengthened through the education of our young people.
Invest In The Future And Educate Our Youth
Mt. Baker Rotary, which was established in 1981, began awarding two $500 scholarships to Lynden area students in 1983. Overtime, the area of scholarships was expanded to also include Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Mt. Baker high schools with awards reaching up to $2000 each. In 1996, the Mt. Baker Rotary Foundation was established in order to begin an endowment to fund future scholarships.For 2013, we will be awarding $34,000 in scholarships to high school seniors from Lynden, Lynden Christian, Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Mt. Baker. We are also beginning a campaign to increase the Fund through lifetime and planned giving in order to expand the number and amount of scholarships awarded as the costs of higher education have increased dramatically in the last 10 years.
Education Costs
For millions of young people, rising college costs are putting the American dream on hold, or out of reach.
- College tuition soar each year, advancing far in excess of the in flation rate.
- Rising tuition and shrinking incomes are making college less and less a fordable.
- Tuition costs have more than doubled since 2000
Less Resources For Help
- State Assistance, loan programs, & Pell Grants are insufficient to address problems in paying for higher education.
- Schools are sending their graduates into a tough job market, saddled with debt they will have a diff cult time repaying.
- Currently over $40 billion in student loan debt has forced many students into financial bondage or even bankruptcy.
Selection Criteria
Community Involvement Academics
Extra-Curricular Activities Special Circumstances
Leadership Volunteer History
School Activities Work History
Mount Baker Rotary and Education
Mt. Baker Rotary, which was established in 1981, began awarding two $500 scholarships to Lynden area students in 1983. Overtime, the area of scholarships was expanded to also include Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Mt. Baker high schools with awards reaching up to $2000 each. In 1996, the Mt. Baker Rotary Foundation was established in order to begin an endowment to fund future scholarships. For 2013, we will be awarding $34,000 in scholarships to high school seniors from Lynden, Lynden Christian, Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Mt. Baker. We are also beginning a campaign to increase the Fund through lifetime and planned giving in order to expand he number and amount of scholarships awarded as the costs of higher education have increased dramatically in the last 10 years.
Make A Investment In The Future
- Cash: A cash gift is the simplest and easiest way of realizing your charitable objectives and sharing in the work of the Mt. Baker Rotary Endowment Fund.
- Securities: Gifts of appreciated securities may also be used to contribute to the Endowment.
- Bequests: Through a will, you may perpetuate your legacy through a living memorial. Gifts of IRA assets are especially good bequests.
- Life Insurance: You can give a portion or all of the policy that you already own, assign the dividends as a gift, or name the Endowment as a beneficiary of the death benefits.
Because the Endowment Fund is tax-exempt, there are significant tax advantages for donors. Check with your tax adviser for benefits of giving to the Mt. Baker Rotary Endowment Fund.
How Are The Funds Used?
Each year scholarships will be awarded directly from the endowment based on prior year earnings. Students graduating high school each year will apply for our Rotary review process. The majority of scholarships are awarded to graduates of Lynden Christian, Lynden High School, Meridian, Mt. Baker, or Nooksack Valley students. Other schools are considered but the area of focus is North Whatcom County. Students attending a variety of school options are considered including technical, vocational and four-year universities.