4 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 46, No. 6 From the PLSO Office Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Exec. Secretary The Impact and Importance of Scholarships to the Community As nature slows down and prepares for winter, fall is often a time for reflection. Our holidays are geared towards giving thanks and gratitude for the many blessings in life. It is also a time of bringing blessings to our community by fostering positive change, promoting well-being, and creating a supportive and inclusive environment. For PLSO, this involves our scholarship program. Not only is it an important tool to help create more land surveyors, but scholarships play a vital role in supporting our community in several ways, creating a profound impact for all of us. 1. Education Access: Scholarships help make higher education opportunities more accessible to individuals who might not be able to afford to attend college or university, fostering skill development, and a more educated society. By covering tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses, scholarships reduce the financial burden on students. This allows them to focus on their studies and professional growth without worrying excessively about financial constraints. 2. Economic Growth, Workforce Development, and Entrepreneurship: Scholarships help build the local workforce, making them more attractive to potential employers. Or, the recipients could start their own surveying businesses within the community, creating jobs, and contributing to the local economy. 3. Social Upliftment: Scholarships enable talented individuals to lift themselves and their families out of poverty, leading to improved living standards. Increasing opportunities for more women in STEM also promotes gender equality. Educated women tend to invest back into their communities, creating a positive cycle of development. 4. Professional Community Pride and Identity: When future community members receive scholarships and excel in their fields, it fosters a sense of pride and inspiration to participate in PLSO, leading to a more engaged and vibrant community. To support the land surveying community through outreach and scholarship, be sure to attend the Education & Outreach Auction on January 18 at the 2024 PLSO Conference, January 17–19 at the Salem Convention Center or purchase a raffle ticket at www.plso.org.
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