Established in January 2011, the Rick Spears Educational Scholarship is endowed with a $10,000.00 annual donation at the beginning of each calendar year. The Fund, earmarked exclusively for the educational needs of the orphaned children living in Armenia, is used for the renovation of classrooms, construction of libraries, tuition, tutoring, and the purchase of computers, books, desks/chairs, and school supplies. All of the orphanages are eligible to receive these funds on an as needed basis.
SOAR’s National Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and Partners in Armenia have long envisioned providing a foundation of academic excellence that will enable the orphaned children to become self-sustaining adults. This Fund allows us to do just that. We are confident it will become a source of pride and enthusiasm for SOAR and our target population for years to come, inspiring others to donate and contribute to the fund.
In establishing this scholarship program, Mr. Spears said, “I have learned a lot about the Armenian culture and history through my ‘adopted’ family of Armenian friends. I also have learned about the dire conditions that the people in Armenia are facing, especially the most vulnerable of them, the orphans. It is not much, but I hope every little bit will help bring them education and make a difference in the lives of these bright children who depend so much on us.”
For more information on the Rick Spears Educational Fund or to make a donation to this Fund, please contact Kohar Pelter at (818) 439-1358 or soar-la@soar-us.org. If you would like to discuss the creation of your own Fund, please contact SOAR National President, George S. Yacoubian, Jr., at (610) 213-3452 or gyacoubian@soar-us.org.