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BEAT THE ODDS

Beat the Odds is an annual fundraising event and scholarship program that celebrates youth who have overcome tremendous odds to become personally and academically successful. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the struggles of many youth in our community and recognize their ability to overcome difficulties. The event also provides an opportunity to highlight the support networks and people who reach out to help. For local businesses and leaders, it is an opportunity to help college bound students achieve their dream by supporting this fundraising event.

Who Benefits from Beat the Odds?

The Beat the Odds scholarship program awards four deserving young individuals from the Rochester area a $2,500 scholarship to the accredited college of their choice. In its twelve years of celebrating student success, our Beat the Odds has provided over $150,000 in scholarships to recipients.

Proceeds from the event also provide the RCTC Foundation with resources to help RCTC students and programs, and pay an annual stipend to the Children's Defense Fund, founder of Beat the Odds.

Support Beat the Odds

Contributions to Beat the Odds may be made through monetary donations or by purchasing table sponsorships or tickets to the Beat the Odds event held in January. Individual tickets are priced at $75 and table sponsorship levels range from $600-$5,000.  We also welcome in-kind donations that can be raffled or auctioned at the event. If you are interested in supporting Beat the Odds, please contact the RCTC Foundation at 507-281-7771 or complete and return the sponsorship commitment sheet.

Apply for a Beat the Odds Scholarship

Beat the Odds candidates are nominated by adults in their lives who have stepped in to provide encouragement and support.  

Award Criteria:

1. The student must be a SENIOR in a Rochester, MN (or surrounding area) high school by fall 2012.
2. The student must be on track to graduate from high school in June 2013.
3. The student must have plans to attend an accredited post-secondary school.

Application Process:

Completed application will be due by November 1, 2012and must include:

1. Nominator form and essay
2. Student application and essay

Interviews are conducted with finalists each fall with selection and notification to award recipients by late November.

Contact Information: 

Lisa Baldus
RCTC Foundation Executive Director
Beat the Odds Event Coordinator
851 30^th Ave SE, Box 56
Lisa.baldus@roch.edu
507-281-7771 (office)
507-280-2970 (fax)

Reviewed: March 23, 2012 9:25 AM