Homeschoolers fight back

9/2/01
Homeschoolers win!!

As you can read below, a few weeks ago we were told that "rules are rules" and homeschoolers need not apply. After some hard work and help from some very dedicated people, they have changed their policy to read:

"Now, Signet Classic is proud to host its sixth annual Signet Classic Student Scholarship Essay Contest, in which five high school juniors, seniors or equivalent homeschoolers can each win a $1,000 scholarship award to be used toward their higher education plus a Signet Classic library for their school (or local public library in the case of home schooled students).....Entrant must be a full-time matriculated student in the eleventh or twelfth grade at time of entry or between the ages of 16-18 if home-schooled "

at their website
and tell them that Homeschoolzone.com sent you!!

Here's how it began....

Early August 2001
Penguin/Putnam College Scholarship Essay Contest
Homeschoolers need not apply - "rules are rules"

• Homeschoolers and homeschooling grass roots organizations like The Homeschoolzone.com found that Penguin/Putnam Publishers were holding a college scholarship program that excluded homeschoolers.
• Their annual contest included public and private schooled juniors and seniors but excluded homeschoolers. This college scholarship program awarded tuition for college.  When Penguin was contacted by homeschoolers Penguin/Putnam claimed that "these are the rules" and that was the end of that.
• Sue Spataro, the managing editor of The Homeschoolzone.com called Carolyn Stewart (212) 366-2203  the publisher's public relation representative to find out more.  Sue spoke with Ms. Stewart about why Penguin/Putnam was discriminating against homeschoolers.
• Their position, excluding homeschoolers from the essay contest, softened as the conversation opened up about how homeschoolers are a very valuable consumer group and are entitled to the same opportunities as other educational systems.
• Sue also called PBS, who was said by Putnam, to "support" this program, to find why they would be involved with a program that discriminated against homeschoolers. The PBS representative was quick to point out that PBS did NOT sponsor this program and that any mention of their involvement was a mistake on Penguin/Putnam's part. Penguin/Putnam has now worked with their legal department and will be including homeschoolers in their college scholarship program.
• The Homeschoolzone.com called Penguin/Putnam and were informed that the rules, including homeschoolers, are to be placed on their web site.
  
  Until then, if you want to enroll in the contest
  call Carolyn Stewart (212) 366-2203

Homeschoolers fight back

Join in the struggle!!

The message is clear: For homeschooling and homeschoolers to be regarded as another educational option like private education we all must chip in and help open the eyes of the folks around us.   Linda and The Homeschoolzone.com have shown what can be done when you mix equal parts passion and perseverance.

You can do it too,
we want to hear from you!
click here

Scholarships, Grants & other FREE stuff
Who says they're is no free lunch. In this section we are collecting contests, grants, scholarships and all sorts of things to make your life easier (and cheaper!!). It is constantly changing, so come by every few days.

"The Future of Education in America"
An exclusive interview
with William Bennett, Ph.D.
hosted by Sue Spataro
William J. Bennett has devoted most of his professional life to improving America's schools and studying what works in education. He is the former U.S. Secretary of Education. Dr. Bennett has also served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He has written and edited 14 books—including national bestsellers such as The Educated Child: A Parent's Guide. In this exclusive interview with William Bennett, we discuss: the breakdown of the traditional two-parent family; what's wrong with the public-school system in America; Dr Bennett's new k12.com program; and changing attitudes about homeschooling.