THE GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT PROGRAMME ONE OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL’S BEST KEPT SECRETS

4 young people sponsored Programme gained momentum The Historical ‘bit’ Started in 1946 $1 per Rotarian 4 young people sponsored Programme gained momentum 2500+ young people – 80 countries – 70+ places/year

GRSP Facts Not an exchange programme Focus is on promoting international understanding and peace (not just academical attainment) Candidates aged 18-24 – character, intelligence, adaptability, personality Ability to function well away from home for a year Fitting ambassadors for family, Club, District and Country

Who can apply and how Any young person aged 18-25 Need to be of average intelligence Almost uniquely, can be related to a Rotarian Club identifies individual – pupil/graduate District supports – paperwork / info. Meeting / D1020 GRSP Coordinator – PDG Alistair Marquis Complete application form Be sponsored by a Rotary Club Sit Student Aptitude Test (SAT)

GRSP Website / Support www.grsp@grsp.org – email address for GRSP HQ in Georgia Website – use a search engine – loads of information available D1020 GRSP Co-ordinator (Alistair Marquis) – available to offer guidance - afmarquis@blueyonder.co.uk Rotary Host Family in Georgia Conclaves

The GRSP story in District 1020 80+ D1020 GRSP scholars since 1975 Currently 5 scholars from 1020 out in Georgia – 9 in 2016-17 Presently awaiting applications for placement in Autumn 2019 NOW is the time to be considering identification of likely candidates for Autumn 2019 (application deadline – 30 Sept 2018)

What is the Club’s involvement/commitment? Agree that the Club wants to be involved and will sponsor GRSP placement Agree what financial support might be given Identify possible avenues to get candidate(s) – schools / Rotarians / youth organisations? Information letter for young people(S5 year best) /parents/schools etc (nb website) District 1020 meeting in 2018 for applicants/parents/Club representatives Application form completed On-going support from 1020 GRSP Co-ordinator SAT application (via internet)

Possible financial contribution GRSP covers all costs for academic study for 1 year, all books and equipment, food and accommodation GRSP also provides a nominal sum to cover basic living costs Individual scholar/family/Club needs to fund flights and health insurance Basically, GRSP can cost a Club nothing!

What Next? Decide as a Club if you want to be part of GRSP –Appoint a member to oversee the process and to act as a direct link for applicant(s) Get going by contacting local secondary schools and with identifying an applicant or applicants Keep parents/carers ‘on board’ Use 1020 GRSP Co-ordinator for support Get application form ready in draft form Attend District GRSP meeting in May/June 2018 Get SAT placement signed up – www.collegeboard.org

The waiting game Between September to February, following application, nothing much happens! Once placements announced Feb/March then everything moves at speed Lots of forms, Visa etc to be seen to UCAS – deferred entry Confirm travel arrangements/insurance Contact with University in Georgia, host family Gifts / continuing & regular Club contact

Convinced? Will your Rotary Club be considering a candidate for Autumn 2019 and the academic year 2019-20? If so then the work begins NOW but at a sensible pace This ensures pupils get to hear of what’s on offer before SQA prelims and national examinations Good luck – don’t miss out

GRSP TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE BUT BELIEVE IT THERE ARE NO HIDDEN CATCHES!