48 l GEAR UP: Empowering Generations Through Education

50 | Peared Connects Students With Community Service That Matters

Hello Friends! In this episode of the Scholar Budget Podcast, Rockell Bartoli, Anushka Polapally, and Sophia Ni discuss Peared, a nonprofit organization aimed at connecting students with tailored community service opportunities. The conversation explores how Peared optimizes volunteering experiences, the importance of community service in obtaining scholarships, and the skills students can gain through volunteering. Anushka and Sophia share their journey of creating Peared as a youth-led initiative, the meaningful connections made through their platform, and the potential for expanding Peared to new communities. Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree!   Love Rocky!  Connect with Peared: https://pearedco.org/ Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com Learn: www.scholarbudget.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/

49 l Free College Credit: The Modern States Way

Hello Friends! In this conversation, Jefferson Pestronk, the executive director of Modern States, discusses the nonprofit's mission to make college more affordable through free online courses that help students earn college credit via CLEP exams. He explains the process of registering, studying, and taking exams, emphasizing the flexibility and accessibility of the program. The discussion also highlights the financial support available through vouchers, the importance of parental involvement, and the acceptance of CLEP exams by various colleges.  Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree! Love Rocky!  Connect with Modern States: https://modernstates.org/ [https://modernstates.org/] Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com [thescholarbudget@gmail.com] Learn: www.scholarbudget.com [http://www.scholarbudget.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/]

48 l GEAR UP: Empowering Generations Through Education

Hello Friends! In this episode, we delve into the profound generational and community impact of GEAR UP, a program dedicated to empowering students from low-income communities to pursue higher education. Join us as Dr. Katie Hill shares her personal journey from a GEAR UP student to a national leader, highlighting how the program's cohort model and community partnerships uplift entire families and communities. Discover the unique aspects of GEAR UP that set it apart from other initiatives, and learn why continued support is crucial for the future of countless students and their communities.    Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree! Love Rocky!    Connect with Katie Hill: Website: edpartnerships.org Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com [thescholarbudget@gmail.com] Learn: www.scholarbudget.com [http://www.scholarbudget.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/]

47 l Unlocking Career Potential Through Internships

Hello Friends! Let’s talk to Megan Singleton, founder of Aspire to Intern, as we discuss the significance of internships in shaping careers and providing essential skills for students. Megan emphasizes the importance of starting internships early, the preparation needed for applying, and the financial benefits that come with internship experiences. She shares her personal journey and insights on how internships can help students discover their career paths, build professional networks, and enhance their employability. Gain insights on crafting compelling applications, the importance of networking, and how to balance internships with other commitments. Megan encourages students to be confident and to step out of their comfort zones, highlighting that they already possess the skills needed for success.   Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree! Love Rocky!    Connect with Aspire To Learn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-singleton-megansingleton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-singleton-megansingleton/]  Website: https://aspiretointern.com/ [https://aspiretointern.com/]  Email: info@writeframeconsulting.com [info@writeframeconsulting.com]    Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com [thescholarbudget@gmail.com] Learn: www.scholarbudget.com [http://www.scholarbudget.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/]

46 l Creating Joy and Serving Others Through Origami For Good

Hello There! In this conversation, we talk to Thyra and Vivian, the founders of Origami for Good, a nonprofit organization that uses origami to spread joy and creativity to various communities, including the elderly, youth, and soldiers. We discuss their organization's origins, their work's impact on recipients, the importance of creativity in volunteering, and how inclusivity and cultural understanding are central to their mission. Thyra and Vivian also share insights on how students can get involved and manage their time effectively while balancing school and nonprofit work.   Grab your favorite notepad and pen. I’m about to show you how to earn a debt-free degree! Love Rocky!  Connect with Origami For Good Instagram: @origami.forgood Website: https://www.origamiforgood.org [https://www.origamiforgood.org] Connect: thescholarbudget@gmail.com [thescholarbudget@gmail.com] Learn: www.scholarbudget.com [http://www.scholarbudget.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/ [https://www.instagram.com/thescholarbudget/]