SeniorNet Launches the Charlene A. Francis Scholarship Fund
Scholarships to Benefit Members at SeniorNet Learning Centers in Underserved Markets Across the U.S.
May 17, 2010
WASHINGTON,D.C. – SeniorNet, the world’s leading nonprofit technology educator of older adults, announced today the creation of the Charlene A. Francis Scholarship Fund to benefit outstanding volunteers at SeniorNet Learning Centers in the nation’s most underserved markets.
The scholarship fund honors Charlene A. Francis, an individual who has made significant contributions to SeniorNet both at its Learning Centers and on the organization’s national Board of Directors. Francis has served as a member, volunteer and distinguished leader for more than 21 years, including her dedicated years in leading the SeniorNet Learning Center in Oklahoma City. Throughout her tenure she has advocated for the interests of Learning Centers in the SeniorNet network the front line in the organization’s mission of bringing technology education to seniors. Her voice in representing Learning Centers has been of tremendous value to the Board of Directors.
The scholarships will benefit SeniorNet Learning Centers in underserved areas around the country, as well as at the Learning Centers on Indian reservations. The scholarships, to be awarded annually, will recognize outstanding achievement among volunteers at those Learning Centers. Three recipients will receive full SeniorNet memberships valid for two years.
“Charlene A. Francis has a true passion for the work of the SeniorNet Learning Centers and has been one of their biggest, most innovative champions,” said Leslie M. Smith, SeniorNet board chairman. “We’re pleased to be able to honor her in a way that recognizes the contributions of other SeniorNet volunteers at Learning Centers in some of the most underserved parts of the country.”
“It’s a thrill to be recognized in this way,” said Francis. “At the end of the day what’s most important to me are the services that the Learning Centers provide in the places that need them most. And these scholarships will help to ensure that this work continues.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the Charlene A. Francis Scholarship Fund may send checks made payable to SeniorNet — with a notation in the memo section that stipulates money should be used for the Charlene A. Francis Scholarship Fund. Checks should be mailed to SeniorNet, 12801 Worldgate Drive, Suite 500, Herndon, Virginia 20170.
About SeniorNet:
SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the world’s premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50. Based in Herndon, Virginia and founded in 1986, SeniorNet is a nationwide nonprofit organization with approximately 10,000 members that has taught hundreds of thousands of older adults to use computers and the internet …resulting in the enrichment of millions of lives through its award-winning website.
SeniorNet is staffed by more than 3,000 volunteers and had nearly 75 locally run Learning Centers in the United States, including Indian Reservations and underserved areas. SeniorNet offers both off-line and online training to a population that was originally neglected in the information revolution. With sponsorship by major corporations and foundations, government agencies, private and public donations, and a backbone of individual members and contributors, SeniorNet continues to grow and offer new opportunities to those touched by its mission.
