Shake the Dirt Off Scholarship Fund
The “Shake the Dirt Off” story is a simple but powerful reminder: when challenges are placed on us, we can allow them to bury us—or we can use them to rise. In this story, a donkey trapped in a well shakes the dirt from its back and steps on it, eventually climbing out. The message is clear: adversity does not have to define the outcome. With support and determination, it can become a foundation for growth.
Inspired by this message, Youth Voices Center established the Shake the Dirt Off Scholarship Fund to help young people move beyond immediate obstacles and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Through this fund, Youth Voices Center provides discretionary, short-term assistance to youth facing financial or situational barriers that could otherwise derail educational, personal, or professional progress.
How the Fund Helps
Scholarship support is used to address critical, real-life needs that create stability and opportunity, including:
- Educational expenses such as books and supplies for college-bound students
- Access to healthy outlets and mentorship, including gym memberships
- Emergency housing support to prevent homelessness
- Financial assistance for milestone experiences, such as prom participation
- Essential items including winter clothing and professional attire
- Basic needs support, such as groceries for families during times of hardship
Each award is modest in size but meaningful in impact—often providing the encouragement and stability a young person needs to keep moving forward.
Why It Matters
Youth Voices Center has seen firsthand how a single act of belief can change the trajectory of a life. The organization itself exists because someone believed in the vision behind it. The Shake the Dirt Off Scholarship Fund carries that belief forward, reinforcing the idea that when young people are supported at the right moment, they are more likely to invest in themselves and pursue bigger goals.
Scholarship assistance is awarded on a case-by-case basis, guided by individual need and potential impact.
Get Involved
Your support helps remove barriers and creates momentum for young people striving toward a better future.
Together, we can help youth rise above their circumstances—and take the next step forward.
Shake the Dirt Off Scholarship Fund
Sometimes, a small barrier can stop a young person from moving forward. Sometimes, a small act of support can change everything.
The Shake the Dirt Off Scholarship Fund helps youth overcome immediate obstacles—covering essential needs like school supplies, clothing, transportation, or emergency support—so they can keep moving toward their goals.
Every gift helps a young person rise above their circumstances and take the next step forward.
Help a student move ahead today.
