As you might imagine, the Georgia Rotary Student Program executive committee has been closely monitoring the pandemic situation. Most of the 2019-20 GRSP Class has returned home. Last Friday, the committee decided to move forward with welcoming the Class of 2020-21 college students in August, even though it may be a smaller class given visa issues and such.
Last year, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody helped GRSP break new ground with the pilot program - selecting a student straight from Oglethorpe's new international students and offering an $11,000 scholarship and participation in the GRSP program to that student. Yemariam is a true delight and, as we have reported, is currently sheltering with her aunt in Atlanta - completing this school term and waiting for classes to begin again in the fall.
GRSP has expanded the pilot to include additional Rotary Clubs in 2020-21, and we now have the opportunity to select another international student from Oglethorpe's incoming class to sponsor for one year. We are in contact with Oglethorpe to identify a student - and in search of a Dunwoody family who is willing to be that student's host family.
It's our expectation that the student will live in the dorms at Oglethorpe, so a host family's commitment would include: 1) some weekend and holiday visits, 2) some transportation to Dunwoody Rotary meetings/projects/events and GRSP events, and 3) advice and counsel as requested. Speaking from the experience of hosting five students, it's an AMAZING opportunity to share our culture with the student and learn about the student's culture - to have FUN and expand your family FOREVER.
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Lorri Christopher or me.