The goal of Garrison Forest School's unique Jenkins Fellows Program is to stimulate awareness of issues affecting the global community and to inspire and empower GFS students to work to improve their world through active community service, at home and abroad.
Since 2005, 37 GFS Jenkins Fellows have traveled across the country and around the world to immerse themselves in summer service projects. The projects have ranged from volunteering in orphanages to constructing buildings to chopping invasive bamboo in the Amazon rain forest. Last summer's Fellows were no exception.
Read more about the 2012 Jenkins Fellows and see a list of all 37 Jenkins Fellows.
Annual grants for summer Fellowships are made possible through the support of a tremendously generous group of alumnae, in honor of Elsie Foster Jenkins ‘53, to promote serious consideration of, and significant commitment to, global community service by Garrison Forest students. The Jenkins Community Service Program, of which the Fellowships are a key part, embodies the School's founding motto, Esse Quam Videri: To Be Rather Than to Seem.
Who is eligible?
Grants are restricted to Garrison Forest students currently in Grades 9-11. No student may receive more than one grant during her time at GFS.
How are applicants selected?
Selection will be based on:
- The feasibility of the proposed project
- The impact of the proposed project in the target community
- Potential for student growth
- What the student may be able to contribute to the GFS community as a result of her experience.
Applications will be reviewed and grants will be awarded by a committee consisting of:
- The Head of the Upper School
- Faculty Advisor to Service League
- President and Vice-President of the student body
- Senior Head of Service League
- Two additional Faculty Representatives
It is the aim of the committee to fully fund the projects of successful applicants; total funds disbursed each year should be around $10,000.
When are applicants notified?
Successful applicants will be notified prior to Spring Break and must provide, by May 15, documentation showing that the project funded will actually happen.
Prior to the opening of the 2013-14 school year in September, Jenkins Fellows must submit a written report and reflection about their activities to the Head of the Upper School. Copies will be given to the Director of Development and the Advisor to Service League.
Summer Service Fellows will make a joint presentation to the Upper School during a Sojourns session at some point during the fall semester and may be invited to speak to GFS students in other divisions.
Garrison Forest is not responsible for any costs beyond those in the amount of the grant, and does not assume any responsibility for the student during her project.