Who We Are
NexGen Scholar is a student-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to furthering education for all. We offer The Giving Hours Award, a free, college admissions–focused award that recognizes students for their community service. Donations generated through traffic to our website fund our four-pronged donation model, maximizing our impact by supporting special education programs and resources.
Working towards solving
Economic barriers blocking students from receiving application-enhancing awards, primarily related to community service.
Funding shortfalls effecting students in special education.
Donation Distribution
The Problem
Nobody is doing anything to further the education in our society. 2 critical areas in education have been ignored for decades.
There is a growing gap in recognizing high school students' community service efforts in a way that aligns with college admissions priorities. Students lack accessible, free recognition of their work. Surveys show that 58% of admissions officers view community service positively, with 53% saying it can be the deciding factor between equal candidates.
Federal funding covers only 13-15% of the extra expense, leaving a $23.6 billion shortfall in 2020-21. This results in inadequate resources, teacher burnout, and poor outcomes for students with disabilities.
Our Solution
Through the generation of website traffic from students, parents, educators we will be revealing the crisis in special education to raise the necessary funds to help make an impact in our North Carolina School system.
By offering a free, college admissions–focused award based on meaningful service criteria, students receive both structured guidance throughout their volunteer journey and credible recognition for their achievements.
This not only helps students better understand how to engage in impactful community service but also provides tangible validation of their efforts.
As a result, students are more motivated to begin volunteering, continue serving their communities, and build stronger service portfolios that align with the qualities colleges seek in applicants.
The Difference
Programs
Donations generated through traffic to our website fund our four-pronged donation model, maximizing our impact by supporting special education programs and resources.
Recognizing students who have completed 26+ hours of community service with a nationally recognized certificate.
Learn More40% Professional Development · 30% Assistive Technology & Classroom Resources · 20% Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) & Early Intervention · 10% Family & Community Engagement
DonateFund evidence-based training for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
Purchase assistive technology such as communication devices, adaptive software, sensory equipment, and accessibility tools.
Support pilot programs that improve academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes before challenges become long-term barriers.
Organize community outreach events and partnerships with schools and local organizations.
Funds several Speech/OT/PT sessions; online course/webinar for teacher training
Equips one student meaningfully; funds a full week long day summer camp; makes an impact towards lobbying to sustain ongoing work
Funds a student's residential/therapeutic camp for a week
Provides a classroom with all the sensory room basics; meaningful classroom modifications
Small studies/pilots for early intervention; builds an inclusive playground
Why Partner With Us
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations made to our organization may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by U.S. law. Every contribution directly supports our mission to expand equitable access to education and is managed with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsibility to further the education in our society.
Join NexGen Scholar in our mission to recognize and empower the next generation of community leaders.
Access your profile, applications, and awards.
Don't have an account?
Join NexGen Scholar today.
Enter your email and we'll send a reset link.