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They differ because the late Kenneth Ford, founder of Roseburg Forest Products, developed a clear idea of what he wanted his program to be, who it should serve, and why; and later Hallie Ford did the same with the scholarship program she founded for single parents. As a staff member of the Ford Family Foundation and, eventually, director of both scholarship programs, I had the thrill of listening to the Fords express their hopes and ideas. It took months, with numerous drafts and revisions, before each program was ready to launch. Kenneth Ford once remarked, "We want to help those who other programs may not want." Hallie Ford said she wanted to focus on "this very special group of people that has more hurdles to jump than most if they are to complete college." The Ford Scholars Program, now in its fifth year, has selected 443 Oregonians ranging in age from 17 to 51. The Opportunity Program, in its third year, has selected 90 recipients from age 17 to 46. The Ford Family Foundation provides these students, studying in 33 different Oregon institutions, with 90 percent of their unmet financial need (after other sources of support are deducted). Support is limited to 90 percent because both founders felt "providing free rides" was a bad thing, and wanted each person to contribute a part of his or her educational costs. These programs differ from most others because of the amount of interest taken in the scholars and the partnerships developed with other individuals and organ- izations. The interest taken in each recipient is quite unusual. It begins with the selection process, which requires all finalists to be interviewed by a team of three or four qualified persons. At an annual luncheon for each program, each recipient is invited to attend with two guests. At each table is a host who is a Ford family member, director, staff person of the foundation, or someone knowledgeable about the program. In the fall, each Ford Scholar receives a several-page letter from the director. Along with basic program information, it includes topics such as "managing 24 hours in one's day," "being sure to think for oneself rather than just following the crowd," or, "controlling procrastination." Similar letters are sent in the winter and spring. For the smaller group of Opportunity Program people, personal contacts are made through periodic phone calls rather than letters. In each case, regular communication during the academic year is encouraged. Academic grades are reviewed at the end of each term. Those who might be struggling receive a phone call or letter of support and encouragement. If more attention seems needed, the director will maintain weekly personal contact with the scholar. Each summer, a separate weekend conference is held at an Oregon resort for each class of Ford Scholars. Ford family members, directors, and staff also attend. Each conference has a theme and makes use of outside presenters. The freshman class conference focuses on "Building Leadership through Relationships." For sophomores, it's "Taking Initiative in Solving Problems." The conferences are intended to provide group learning experiences for each class, and to help students sense that they are part of a very special and permanent group. It is now evident that most scholars do feel they belong to a special group. They regularly write saying how important the human elements of the program are to them. One recent graduate put it this way: "When I started I knew the financial help was critical, but it was not till I had read several of the on-target letters and attended my first conference that I realized this was more than money -it was and is about people who didn't even know me, caring about me and my success and showing it so beautifully." Each class is provided with a handbook, phone numbers they can use to connect with the people administering the program, and e-mail addresses for all scholars so they can easily contact each other. When Ford Scholars complete their baccalaureate degrees, they choose either a Ford Scholar ring or lapel pin, and become members of the alumni association. The activities of the alumni are currently being developed, but it is clear that there will be a newsletter, periodic gatherings, and opportunities for those who are interested to participate in the interview process for new scholars, speak at awards luncheons, and connect with beginning Ford Scholars. Data on each graduate is being maintained, so that longitudinal studies can be carried out. Finally, a recent decision makes it possible for those with outstanding undergraduate records to apply for up to a two-year extension to do graduate work. While there is still room to strengthen these programs, evidence documents their effective functioning. Such a positive statement can be made primarily because of the formal and informal partnerships that have developed. These include:
Because of the vision of the two founders, the Ford Scholars and the Ford Opportunity Program exist and have the financial resources necessary. Because of the staff of the foundation and the Oregon State Scholarship Commission, the two programs are fully implemented and improving each year. And because of the participation of the many other partners, more and more of those who should be served by these programs are indeed learning about them. Next September, 140 more students will attend Oregon colleges and universities because of these permanent programs, and the same will be true each year into the future. So in the next 25 years, 3,500 Oregonians will become Ford Scholars and Ford Opportunity Program participants. That will have significant impact in this region. And because of their relationships, they will make a significant impact on each other far into the future. Two things that Kenneth Ford and Hallie Ford knew from the beginning undergird these programs. First, no investment has greater potential return for society than investments in human beings. Second, nothing is more fundamental in building community than taking the time to develop honest and caring relationships with and for others. One Ford Scholar "put the icing on the cake" when he said, "Because they have such a caring interest in me, I definitely will do more to help others in my life." Five years of working with the Fords and with the people participating in the two programs have provided me with one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I suppose this is so because I found myself in such complete harmony with their visions, then had the joy of seeing those visions become reality. Charles U. Walker was President of Linfield College from 1975 to 1992. From 1993 to November 1998, he was Director of the Ford Scholars and the Ford Opportunity Program and remains involved as a Ford Family Foundation Trustee.
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Date of Last Update: 9/28/01 
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The Ford Scholars Program and the Ford Opportunity Program for Single Parents are different from most other college scholarship programs.
