Fellowship program to hold fundraiser for students enrolling in on-campus or online universities

Fellowship program to hold fundraiser for students enrolling in on-campus or online universities

Prospective students searching for an inexpensive way to gain higher education may consider online degree programs or scholarship programs, such as that offered the by the Robert James Leonard Fellowship.

The Pennsylvania-based organization, which provides tuition and career development assistance to talented students with demonstrable financial need, has announced that it will hold a fundraiser to benefit its scholarship fund.

The 2009 Spanish Fiesta will feature sangria, tapas, salsa lessons, bingo and treasure hunts that will award winners with trips to Javea, Spain. Donated gold jewelry will also be sold to benefit the program.

Beneficiaries of the fellowship receive a $15,000 scholarship to put toward tuition as well as mentoring, internship opportunities and interview preparation throughout their courses of study.

Jo Leonard, executive director of the organization, said these awards "aren't your average scholarships," as they aim to give students in need "not only a head start" but "many other tools they'll need to really leverage their natural talents."

Such programs may prove beneficial to prospective students looking to enroll in online schools, which can help them gain career-boosting education without forcing them to stop working and take on a severe financial burden.