Stephen Carter Scholarship Brings Opportunity to Serendipity Students
The purpose of the Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund is to advance “next steps” in the lives of Serendipity Students. Next steps can include any pursuit in which skills acquired at Serendipity are transferred to other settings. Students may apply for assistance in covering costs to take a class, join a sport, pursue a hobby, or own a laptop necessary for future learning and job searches. When Serendipity middle school and high school students need support to continue their personal growth and learning in the community, they can find that assistance from the Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund.
Stephen Carter was an active and transformative Board Member for Serendipity, serving between 2003 and 2013. He first became acquainted with our program when he toured Serendipity as part of a process matching an executive from The Standard with an opening on the Serendipity Board. Stephen believed deeply in the promise and potential of Serendipity students. After Stephen’s unexpected passing in 2016, his family and friends honored his love for Serendipity by creating a The Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund.
A big thank you to Stephen’s family and friends for continuing his legacy through a scholarship that helps our students thrive!
Excerpt from Serendipity’s announcement at Steve’s memorial service:
“On four occasions, I have stood on a stage with Steve when diplomas he signed were awarded to young people who had long forsaken the possibility that they could be graduates. I have watched Steve shake their hands and commend them for their courage and acknowledge their potential. Presenting scholarships in Steve’s name is the perfect tribute to his philanthropy and a continuation of the values he prioritized.”
— Belinda Marier, Serendipity former Executive Director
Summary of Scholarships presented (updated July 2021)
The Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund has now been active for five school years. In that time, 35 awards have been granted. Investments have been made in the futures of our students by funding community college courses and vocational training, providing art supplies to pursue talents, and securing school clothes when it is time to return to public schools. Several seniors have requested and been awarded laptops so that learning does not end with graduation. Each gift communicated that the larger community in which we live sees potential in our students and is willing to support their growth.