Through    Scholarships    We Help    Salem High    Students    Succeed

The Salem Education Foundation Dollars for Scholars® Salem, Indiana was established in October 1991 to support Salem High School students by providing financial assistance to further their education after high school.  On Honor Day in May 1993, the foundation presented its first scholarships totaling $850 to three graduating seniors.  Twenty five years later, the foundation has awarded a total of more than $100,000 in scholarships to over 1,000 Salem High School seniors.

The Salem Education Foundation Dollars for Scholars® is managed by a local board of directors and is affiliated nationally with Scholarship America®/Dollars for Scholars® program. "Because college doesn't happen by chance" is the core belief of Scholarship America®, whose mission is to mobilize America, through scholarships and educational support, to make postsecondary success possible for all students through community-based fundraising.

Our Salem Education Foundation Dollars for Scholars® Board of Directors has been thrilled by the generosity of our small community and the overwhelming support for local students furthering their educations.  Special events at first included golf tournaments and Alumni Basketball games. Since 2004, the key fundraising event has been the Taste of Salem each November.  The Lion Legacy banquet, started in 2010, recognizes successful Salem High School alumni who come back to Salem High School to interact with current students and to be honored at the Lion Legacy banquet.

Beyond fund-raising events, most scholarships are funded through individual contributions and donations.  Currently numerous individuals, alumni classes and local organizations have set up specific scholarships and memorials, most through the Washington County Community Foundation, where Salem Education Foundation Dollars for Scholars funds are invested.

All Salem High School seniors are eligible to apply for the awards, some of which are based primarily on financial need and others primarily on the student's academic merit.  Individual sponsors often specify other criteria such as participation in a particular course or activity, future career plans, or academic performance.