In 2020, a man approached the front desk of the Casper Police Department with a check for ten thousand dollars. He didn’t want to leave his name, nor any recognition, he only wanted to give back to his community.
Shocked by the generous anonymous gift, we went to the man’s home to thank him. We felt the need to put the money toward a mission to honor the donor. So we asked him, “What do you want us to do with this money?” The donor went on to share some of his life story with us. He felt passionate about using the funds to somehow help children in #ourcommunity grow, thrive, and become successful adults. With that in mind, and pursuant to the donor’s wishes, the OurCommunity OurYouth Scholarship Fund was born.
The OurCommunity OurYouth scholarship fund’s mission is to protect and serve #ourcommunity by empowering our youth through experience, education, and innovative pathways that will cultivate and grow Casper’s next generation. The Fund provides monetary assistance to underprivileged youth within Natrona County (and partnering communities) to attend educational or recreational camps, seminars, or other organized growth experiences both within Natrona County or elsewhere.
This Fund supports underprivileged youth between the ages of 11 and 15 years old. To apply, applicants will fill out an online form, submit an essay, and a letter of recommendation. The application form can be completed by either the student applicant, teacher, or organizational leader. A 300-400 word essay must be included with the application explaining why the student wants to go to their selected experience. In addition, a letter of reference by a teacher, mentor, or organizational leader must be included. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications submitted less than 30 days prior to a registration deadline will not be reviewed.
Interested in making a donation to the fund? Please contact bskovgard@casperwy.gov or send a check, made out to the Casper Police Department (with OurCommunity OurYouth in the memo), to Casper Police Department, 201 North David Street, Casper, WY, 82601.