STRIVE is a Fairmont Rotary program designed to motivate students from the lower 1/3 of the senior class to increase their grade point average and attitude towards school by offering scholarships for post-secondary continuing education.

STRIVE focuses on improvement. We help our students improve their grades, attendance and attitude through mentoring. We help our students improve their opportunities through scholarships.

STRIVE's first year in Fairmont was in 1998 with a partnership between Rotary and Fairmont High School. The first year 12 seniors participated. In 1999 there were 13 seniors, which is 25% of all qualified students. As Juniors, these students are recruited by Rotarians who enter the classroom, talk about the program and ask these students if they want more out of their senior year. The students who commit are looking for second chances, which is just what Rotary STRIVE does – provides second chances to do "IT" right. After making the commitment to STRIVE, each student fills out a questionnaire about himself or herself to make a proper match with a mentor. Then, throughout the year, the students and their mentors attend meetings every third week. Here students and mentors share a donated lunch. Some meetings there are motivational speakers, while others consist of issues discussed between students and mentors that are intended to motivate these young adults to strive for more. Each year we try to add additional activities such as picnics, bowling, or a Christmas party.

Upon completion of their senior year, Rotary sponsors a STRIVE Banquet. At this event, As well as recognizing each students achievements, $3500.00 in scholarship awards is given to the higher acheivers. Whether the students receive a scholarship or not, they had committed themselves to striving for ‘more’ and that in itself spells success!

STRIVE continues to grow, not only in the number of students who wish to participate, but also through support within the community and the Fairmont High School.