San Antonio Rotary - Diploma Plus

Rotary Diploma Plus is a unique partnership between Rotary and the public sector to address the crisis of drop-outs in our community. A student who makes a commitment to finish high school will be more likely to attend college.

The Rotary Club of San Antonio and late member Sam J. Riklin began this dropout prevention program in 1991. The goal of the Sam J. Riklin Rotary Diploma Plus Program is to keep at-risk and financially challenged students in school until graduation. The Rotary Club of San Antonio believes that students committed to achieve an education, especially when faced with adversity, are more likely to become productive members of our community. The Club reinforces their commitment by awarding stipends during their senior year totaling $1,000. Over 1,600 students have graduated high school with the help of this program.

Who We Help…

Our Rotary members work with school guidance counselors to identify potential recipients during the candidate's junior year. We require written applications be submitted by the candidate. These are then reviewed by a committee of club members who select 60 high school students to receive the scholarship during their senior year. Students who are selected are monitored monthly during their senior year. They must maintain strict academic and attendance standards to remain eligible to receive their monthly stipend.

Meet Lauren (2008-2009 Recipient)

“With receiving an education I will have an opportunity to go to college and get a successful job. With goals, however, there are many hurdles to overcome. My hurdle is that my mother suffers from Lupus and she is always in the hospital. My father is the only one that works in the family and pays the expensive medical bill. With the stress of worrying about my mother’s health, my families’ financial need, I sometimes get off track but I know in order to help my family I need to be completely focused. With this scholarship and support system, I know that I will complete high school and my goal of becoming a real estate agent.”

Lauren’s teacher said…

“Lauren is an extraordinary young woman who stands out among the finest. However, talented and compassionate – she is a young woman in pain. She describes her extended family as having difficulty with depression, alcoholism and suicide attempts. Her immediate family is in crisis presently, with her father having a stroke and her mother recently diagnosed with Lupus. She has taken on a part-time job to help out. I believe she needs a sign of hope. She is in need of this scholarship to help her through this critical time in her life.”