Available Scholarships: Some youth may require a full scholarship which provides room and board, clothing, personal needs, educations, and recreation. Others are able to pay some portion of the costs and may require only a partial scholarship.

Youth who have participated in the PROMISE PROGRAM and have stayed in the Program through its completion, are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by Quakerdale to be applied toward post-secondary education - such as college or a tech program.

Scholarship funds are made available through the generosity of caring individuals, foundations, businesses, clubs, organizations and churches.

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Qualifications for Admission:

• Any Iowa youth, ages 10 to 16, is eligible without regard to race, religion, social, or economic status.

• The youth must want to be a PROMISE PROGRAM participant and must have the full consent and commitment of their parent/ guardian.

• The youth must have the ability to succeed academically and socially in public school.

• The youth must not exhibit serious emotional or behavioral problems, be mentally or developmentally delayed, aversely involved with the law, or abusing drugs or alcohol.

• The youth must have the ability to relate positively in a family setting and desire to be a contributing member of the Program and in the community, local church, and school.

• The youth muse be committed to the Program and have the desire to work diligently and the determination to succeed.

• Full or partial scholarships are available to be awarded upon acceptance in the Program based on the financial need of the family.

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Key PROMISE PROGRAM Components:

BASIC NEEDS MET: First and foremost, PROMISE PROGRAM children will feel safe from harm. Their health needs are met, including nutritious meals and appropriate medical care. The Program home adheres to high standards of cleanliness and safety. Adequate clothing and transportation are provided.

STRUCTURED, FAMILY-LIKE ENVIRONMENT: Healthy interpersonal relationships are modeled and taught, as are good decision-making and conflict resolution skills. The Program home is structured and organized. All youth are expected to participate in cooking, laundry, cleaning, and yard care responsibilities. Meals begin with prayer and the "family" eats together with time for sharing and relationship building, free from tension and conflict.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS: Communications and relationships with their biological family are maintained. Families have access and opportunity to visit their child at the Program home as regularly as possible. Families are included in major decisions, informed of their child's progress, and encouraged to participate in meetings and activities. The relationship with the natural family is noncompetitive, and exemplifies Quakerdale's principle of "partnering with families... restoring hope."

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Regular, quiet study time and monitoring the completion of homework assignments promotes academic success. Houseparents have strong lines of communications with school personnel. Youth are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities of their choosing.

ASSET BUILDING: The competency level of the youth is assessed according to the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets. A base line is determined and individualized plans are developed to sustain current strengths and to build less developed personal assets.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Opportunities for leadership development are offered through internal house duties and projects. Externally, youth are encouraged to participate in club, school, and church activities where they can practice and develop leadership skills and obtain experience.

TECHNOLOGY: The home has a computer lab with a technical instruction program to teach Microsoft office products and other computer skills desirable in academic and business settings.

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