Far right, Jay Carmel, SEED Foundation Scholarship Committee volunteer
Earlier this month, we kicked off our annual SEED Foundation Scholarship Campaign. Since 2010, The SEED Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to help SEED graduates close the gap between financial aid and the total cost of college attendance. The success of our scholarship program can be attributed to the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and families.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jay Carmel, a volunteer who has been serving on The SEED Foundation Scholarship Committee for seven years. After being introduced to SEED by a board member and a former staff member, Jay was hooked, and he has remained committed to helping SEED students reach their educational goals. Find out more about Jay and why he continues to support SEED.
How did you begin your volunteer service at SEED?
I began volunteering at The SEED School of Washington, D.C., as a tutor. I would tutor several students for an hour to an hour and a half each week. When my job changed and I could not devote the same amount of time, I sought other ways to stay involved. I learned about The SEED Foundation Scholarship and decided to join the committee. As a committee member, I review the applications of rising SEED seniors and help determine our scholarship recipients with four other committee members.
What do you like about being a volunteer on The SEED Foundation Scholarship Committee?
It’s cool to see SEED students make the most of this opportunity. I get to read their essays and to learn about their ambitions and hopes for the future. After reviewing their applications, the committee interviews every applicant for about 20 minutes. This helps me put a face to each student’s application. The interview days are long, but always fun and rewarding.
Why do you continue volunteering with SEED?
Growing up, I was taught the value of education. I recognize how fortunate I am because I was able to get a good education. Because of this, I want to be supportive to other kids in my community. I enjoy playing a role in helping SEED students launch their college career.
Do you have a favorite SEED moment or memory?
Just being a member of the scholarship committee has been amazing. I get the opportunity to meet a new group of students each year and to hear their ideas, desires, and passions. I love knowing that each day we show up for interviews, it will be a different experience—one student may read a poem, and another may speak very passionately about their goals. The students really want to show who they are, what makes them excited, and what they hope for the future.
Anything to add?
Everyone knows how teachers play an important role in our society. As a volunteer at SEED, I have the opportunity to see this firsthand. There is an incredible amount of work, effort, and commitment that goes into making sure this program succeeds. It is so great to see the number of students that go to college and graduate and to know that the SEED scholarship is helping make this possible. I know the hard work is paying off—SEED is really helping to guide and support each student’s path.