A Dollars for Scholars chapter is organized to provide local students with financial aid and with personal encouragement and support to actively pursue higher levels of academic achievement. The local community rallies around those seeking higher education to give them a boost and ensure they reach their highest potential.

Dollars for Scholars is a local, volunteer-operated, community based
scholarship foundation legally affiliated with Scholarship America. Chapters
may be organized by any group of interested citizens. Some are organized
around a particular school, neighborhood, or community organization.

A Dollars for Scholars chapter has five functions:

1. Develops a process for smooth and permanent operation of the chapter
2. Promotes recognition of the Dollars for Scholars program
3. Raises funds for student aid distribution
4. Distributes awards on a fair basis
5. Provides academic support and/or mentoring for students

Currently, more than 1200 Dollars for Scholars chapters are active nationwide. Dollars for Scholars is a program of Scholarship America, a national, nonprofit, student aid service organization. Scholarship America was founded in 1958 by Dr. Irving A. Fradkin in Fall River, Massachusetts, and incorporated as a national organization in 1961