When Michael Anderson was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2007, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With two kids in college, the financial burden became even greater for this father who suddenly found himself in a wheelchair and unable to work.

Fortunately, Michael was informed of the Elks National Foundation’s scholarship program for children of deceased or disabled Elks. The Emergency Educational Grants offered by the ENF give financial assistance to these children so they can pursue the college education they desire. The grants are renewable for up to three years.

Michael’s kids, Jacqueline and Mike, completed the applications and the family received $7,200 to help fund their college educations in 2007-08.

The Math Whiz

Thanks to the emergency assistance from the Elks, Jackie and Mike are able to continue their already successful collegiate careers.

Jackie graduated in May from Providence College in Rhode Island. “I chose to come to Providence College because I wanted to attend a small, liberal arts college,” she says. A spot on the Dean’s List every semester and her position as President of Pi Mu Epsilon (a math honor society) demonstrate Jackie’s commitment to academic success.

Jackie majored in mathematics, and plans to eventually become a college professor. She plans to continue her education at graduate school. She has already been accepted to a number of graduate programs and has narrowed down her choices to Brown, Dartmouth or Brandeis.

In addition to her academic achievements, Jackie also volunteers for the Special Olympics, tutors other students in math and computer science, and works as an admissions ambassador for her school.

The Political Pundit

Mike will be a junior this fall at American University in Washington, D.C. As a double major in political science and history, he reaps the benefits of his school’s location. “Washington provides an ideal setting for the study of politics,” Mike says.

Due to his political interests, Mike has become very active on campus. He is a member of College Democrats, Students for Barak Obama, Darfur Action, and the Community Action and Social Justice Coalition while also putting in 15 to 20 hours a week working at the school’s fitness center. Mike also maintains his GPA and even earned a spot on the Dean’s List.

Mike will take his talents overseas next semester when he studies abroad in Limerick, Ireland, where he will concentrate on his history thesis.

Help Comes at the Right Time

Jacqueline and Mike never expected their dad to become ill so suddenly, but the Elks have been there to support their family every step of the way. “Our neighbors – most of whom are Elks – have made sure to rake the leaves in our yard in the fall and shovel our driveway in the winter,” Mike says. They are always willing to do anything they can to help our family out. It's very comforting.”

Due to the availability of scholarships like the EEG, the Elks can assist the Andersons financially as well. “I’m incredibly grateful that this scholarship from the Elks has taken much of the burden of the cost of my education off of my parents’ shoulders during a time when they already have more than enough to worry about,” Jackie says.

“This scholarship is a tremendous help,” agrees Mike.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Elks National Foundation is able to support talented and motivated students like Jackie and Mike.

In 2007-08, the ENF awarded $293,930 to 104 recipients of Emergency Educational Grants. The ENF has allocated $350,000 to support the EEG program in 2008-09. For information about this or other ENF scholarship opportunities, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ourscholarships.cfm.