Boneem is a 501c3 educational charity—providing scholarships falls right in line with what we have been organized to do. Beyond that, we have several reasons for providing scholarships. Among those reasons we include: 1) To equip youth with a globally marketable education & degree from a US university; 2) To provide that education in the context of a loving and supportive Christian academic atmosphere; 3) To prepare the international leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge of how to apply their education while maintaining solid Christian morals and ethics; 4) To give western donors the opportunity to receive the blessing of knowing that they are involved firsthand in providing the opportunity of a lifetime to young foreign nationals who will otherwise never have such an opportunity. As well, western donors can know that they are making a difference in the global community of the future.

Let's take a look at each of the four things just listed.

1. To equip youth with a globally marketable education & degree from a US university. Any time a foreign student is fortunate enough to graduate college with a degree from a US university, his "value" on the international market increases exponentially. The US is the "mother" of capitalism and many nations seek individuals who can help them build their international presence. What better than a Christian foreign national, equipped with all of the essentials of life in a free society ready to put that education to use to the benefit of his homeland?
   
   Additionally, when we understand that, by and large, English is the "international trade language", the fact that a student is completing a four year education IN ENGLISH means that his language skills will be developed to a level where his education can be applied not just in the context of his home country, but also with just about any other country in the world. Be it a degree in education as a teacher, in business, in the arts, or in Christian ministry, the field of application and the potential of that person being able to work in an internationally diverse market place worldwide gives that student even more opportunities, in many regards, than what even American youth have upon the completion of their college degree.
   
   
2. To provide that education in the context of a loving and supportive Christian academic atmosphere. Boneem will only sponsor scholarships for youth willing to attend a university which unashamedly bases its education, application of that education, and campus life on Christian doctrine. As well, within the context of this type of school is found a close knit community of professors, staffers, and students all willing and eager not only to nurture and support a foreign national but also to grow in Christ together and to develop life long friendships that will follow a sponsored student the rest of her days in this world and beyond.
   
   Boneem does not only seek a Christian atmosphere at the university. We want Boneem-sponsored students to experience the fullness of being part of a Christian family (not just in the global sense of the term) as well. Any student sponsored for a four year education through Boneem is assigned a host family. That family makes the four year commitment to be "family" to that youth. Just as though that youth is a child of their home, the US host family is responsible for picking up that youth for holidays, washing his clothes when he's home for Christmas (smile), being a listening ear when studies get heavy, helping him learn how to balance his checkbook, tending to his medical needs (each student is covered by medical insurance), etc. The home church of the host family is encouraged to reach out and claim that foreign national as one of their own, just as though she was any other child away at school. When summer break comes, if a student opts or is required to stay in the US, then home she comes. Granted, there are many opportunities for a foreign student to do other things over summer break, but she is no less a "child" of the host family.
   
   Throughout this process, Boneem provides all of the needed support to the host family and to the student. Keep in mind, as we will discuss later, each student here on scholarship will have a "support team" --those who are providing the scholarship funds for her education. So although a host family may provide the "nest", there will be as many as 12 other families who have a vested interest in that youth's welfare. (NOTE: Those who contribute to Boneem's scholarship fund are informed of who their funds are going to support. Read more under "How Scholarships are Funded" to learn how just 12-14 donors, each giving just $50/mth for four years, can provide a university education for a deserving youth.)
   
   
3. To prepare the international leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge of how to apply their education while maintaining solid Christian morals and ethics. Having an education is wonderful. However, if a person never learns how to apply that knowledge from a godly perspective, then all he has learned is how to be another "taker" in this world. Boneem seeks to help develop "givers"--people with a passion for improving their world and improving those around them by walking in boldness yet humility.
   
   This approach does not mean that we are trying to create "Bible pounders" to put out into the world. However, those who develop a close and abiding relationship with Jesus, and the confidence to walk that walk in the international theatre, can and will become sought after business people, educators, technologists and more. Why? Because the most successful and enduring professionals from all walks of life are those who rejoice in other people's successes while still diligently seeking their own, who are honest and ethical beyond question or doubt and thus can be trusted, and who walk in a confidence that comes from an inner security and not from a need to walk on others. The atmosphere of love, mutual support, high expectation for honesty and integrity, and mentoring that occurs on the campuses of some of our finest Christian universities is such that can be found on no other campuses. That context teaches not only "religious application" but far more, it teaches "life application" of Christian truths.
   
   
4. To give western donors the opportunity to receive the blessing of knowing that they are involved firsthand in providing the opportunity of a lifetime to young foreign nationals who will otherwise never have such an opportunity. As well, western donors can know that they are making a difference in the global community of the future. Too often, when we give to a charitable need, we tend to think of how much good we're doing someone else. However, as those who give to the needs of individuals on a regular basis all too well know, giving releases something within our own souls. Whether we are a Christian or not, giving to something outside ourselves is not only an act of humility in many regards, it is also something from which we ourselves can grow. Additionally, when giving toward the education of a foreign national who is being equipped to be a top notch professional in the world market, we also are giving to something that will live on well beyond our lifetimes and will likely reach parts of the global community we will never see. Missions and missionaries are badly needed. However, their service is all too often defined as "religious" and frequently seen in other cultures as something "other than" real life. Whether we agree with that or not, the reality is that a Christian life lived out in the context of a person's professional life as seen in her morals, ethics, and business relationships is of the highest impact of any Christian witness in any culture. Whether we are Christians or merely God-fearing individuals, if we are honest with ourselves we must acknowledge the veracity of this statement.
   

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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A SCHOLARSHIP?

This is a multi-faceted question that finds its ultimate answer only after the entire "package" of support is designed for a youth at a specific university. Perhaps the best answer to this question would be found in sharing what Boneem's present scholarship recipients are receiving.

Presently, Boneem is sponsoring two Russian youth to an American university. One has been here since August of 2000 working toward a degree in Communications. The second joined us in July of 2001 to begin her studies toward a degree in Business. Both are students of Liberty University located in Lynchburg, Va. Liberty is the largest Christian university in the US and has about 6000 students.

The cost for a university education is no small thing these days. Liberty is no different. The cost for tuition, room and board at Liberty is over $17,000/yr. This cost does not include books (about $700/yr), medical insurance (about $1000/yr but other possibilities can decrease this amount), tech fees (about $500/yr), clothing and other supplies, and transportation from home country to the USA (about $700 one-way from Russia), and a monthly allowance of about $100 to help teach the student how to manage money and a checkbook. As well, a computer comes in real handy in college these days. So the cost for one year, on the conservative side, assuming an old, functional computer is donated for use by the student, is about $21,000.

Some universities have special scholarships available, on a limited basis, for international students. We have been fortunate with our two present scholarship recipients in that Liberty made available to each of them a "Work/Study Scholarship". In exchange for 18 hours/wk of work on campus the university "writes off" the cost of tuition (in this case, almost $10,000/yr). That puts the cost to Boneem down to about $10K/yr with a one- time expense of about $700 to cover one way travel for the student to the USA. Doing the math on this we will see that about 16 people giving $50/mth can cover this expense.

One note here, both of our present students have been added to their host family's medical coverage without having to purchase outside coverage. The parents of each youth had a notarized document drafted in their native language and in English granting "guardianship" of their child, for the duration of their stay in the USA, to the host parents. In both circumstances, the company providing medical coverage to the host family reviewed the documents and approved the addition of the foreign child to the host family's medical coverage, much in the same way that foster children are covered by foster parents' medical coverage. Not every insurance company may respond this way, but it has sure been a wonderful blessing for these two. One thing that may have helped with these two is that both of them came into the country as minors (under the age of 18). Once on the host's insurance, they will remain until they graduate from college.

So, in review, we can see that the scholarship covers the essentials. One student has a total of 11 committed sponsors covering $7200/yr. The goal for this student was $8400/yr. The difference of $1200/yr has been covered by extra gifts from the committed sponsors and by periodic and one-time donors to the scholarship program. FYI, these sponsors are individuals, and groups. It may be that a group you're associated with (i.e. Sunday School, church, civic organization, company, etc) would like to pick up one or more of these $50/mth sponsorships. As you can see in the next paragraph, some people are capable of sponsoring a scholarship all by themselves.

The young lady who arrived in July of 2001 has her sponsorship covered in quite a different way with a single, anonymous donor providing $10K/yr toward her education.

Some things are not covered by the scholarship. The host families for our two present students are helping to provide needed clothing, incidentals and the like--just like they would with a child of their own. With our present two, a local dentist has committed to provide dental care as his contribution to the work. On their birthdays, the sponsors send cards to school. They send periodic emails to let the kids know they're being prayed for and thought of. Sunday School classes have sent care packages to show their love. A local business college donated one computer for use by one of the students and a local businessman covered the cost of upgrading the computer so it would be adequate for use at school. In return the kids write regular updates of their progress in school, their struggles, their excitements, etc. It is truly a team effort and how exciting it will be when these kids reach graduation and face a small handful of sponsors. . .each known by name. What a gift both ways.

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HOW A SCHOLARSHIP IS ADMINISTRATED

Administration of scholarship money is quite simple. Once a student is recommended for a scholarship, and once Boneem has decided to put its efforts into raising scholarship support for that student, the first thing that's done is to determine the total amount of funding required to finance that specific scholarship.

As was just discussed in the previous section, Boneem determines what all must be covered by a scholarship. Sometimes there is some amount available from the school itself, which helps reduce the amount needed to be raised. After determining what amount is needed on an annual basis (and the first year normally needs a couple thousand extra in order to cover the cost of air travel from home country to the USA, supplies needed to start to college, and on occasion some cost for updating vaccinations) Boneem proceeds with its work.

After all costs are totaled, Boneem goes to those individuals who made the recommendation for that specific student to enlist their assistance in securing a specific number of sponsors willing to give $50/mth for four years. Some supporters may commit to $100/mth, some to even more than that. However, the burden for finding those supporters rests mainly on those recommending the student. Boneem will provide the oversight, the non-profit umbrella and the technical direction.

In order to receive the necessary documents for a foreign student to attend college in the USA under scholarship, Boneem must be able to show official bank records to the school and the US Consulate proving that we have at least one year of funds IN THE BANK before the visa will ever be issued. What this means to those who will provide a sponsorship for a student is that support must either start a year in advance, OR the first year of support needs to be given "up front" and then it is okay to give monthly after that.

Beyond the cost of the visa (about $500 for Russian students), and the cost of air travel, most schools will require each semester to be paid in full in advance of the start of that semester. Boneem administrates these funds, as well as directly funding or reimbursing all expenses associated with getting that student established in the USA. These funds are paid directly from Boneem to the school, stores, medical agencies, etc as needed.

Records of who has committed to support a student for four years is kept in a log. The log shows 48 separate months. If a supporter gives his support one year at a time, or all four years at once, or even just three months in advance, each month is filled in for that sponsor as those funds are received. If a sponsor gives more than his pledged amount he is asked to identify if the extra is going toward future months or if it is merely extra to "pad the account" for incidental needs or "extras" that the student may need. At the start of each semester, 6 months of support is "earmarked" for spending in that semester. It is budgeted according to tuition, monthly allowance, books, tech fees, etc. Those months are "marked off" of each sponsor's log as "spent" at the start of each semester.

This system ensures that monies given in advance are not spent in advance of the semester for which they are intended.

Every sponsorship check received is acknowledged with a thank you card and receipt for that donation, along with a year-end giving summary to each sponsor for all of his donations given that year.

Boneem does not charge any fees for administrating these scholarships.

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CAN A FOREIGN STUDENT WORK AND STUDY?

The short answer is NO. The long answer is a little bit more involved than that.

Under the F-visa that is issued for a student to come to the USA to attend college, there is no provision for that student to work in the general market place during his first 12 months in-country. However, there is provision for that student to work on campus. Some campuses will hire that student at an hourly rate, others will provide a work/study scholarship in which the student is expected to work X-number of hours on campus in exchange for a substantial scholarship sum. Either way is acceptable under F-visa regulations.

As far as the possibilities for a student to work off campus to generate some extra spending money, it can't happen until after the student has been in the US for at least 12 months. At that point, with permission from the school, the student can take summer employment with certain limitations. One note here, if a student wishes to work at the university over the summer months, and the university has a position for him, the US Consulate has no problem with such employment by the hosting institution.

These regulations make it all the more essential that sponsors be diligent about their support. Without it a student is left "high and dry" with regard to alternative means of obtaining financial support.

Also, when Boneem signs all of the documents with the school and with the US Consulate, we do so committing to support that student in a way that does NOT expect that student to have to provide any of his own financial support. If the student at some point is able to make a few extra dollars through outside employment, then that's wonderful. However, the expectation is that our agency is bringing that student to school with "no fears" regarding finances. Sponsors need to be aware of this.

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WHAT QUALIFIES A STUDENT FOR CONSIDERATION?

The selection process for determining whether a student "qualifies" for a scholarship from Boneem is simple on one hand and a bit complex on the other. On the simple side, Boneem does require some specific information on the youth but no complicated "hoops" to jump through. On the complex side, especially for Russian students, the hosting university and the US Consulate have some pretty specific qualifications and a whole host of hoops that need to be jumped through.

Due to the fact that any scholarship awarded by Boneem is based upon personal referral from a US sponsor, and based upon the fact that that sponsor, upon acceptance by Boneem of the responsibility to provide charity support, is one of the key "principles" in helping to raise the needed scholarship support, Boneem's review process is simple and to the point. We believe that if a person or group of people is willing to make the commitment to support a youth through a college education, that in itself is a rather weighty recommendation. If a student is not personally known to Boneem, we do require basic background information such as age, background, goals for the future, information on the family, etc. Some of this information is obtained from the person/people recommending the student and some of this information is required directly from the student in her own words. In addition, if a student is not known by Boneem, we will require a minimum of two recommendations from teachers and/or school administrators of the student's home school.

As for the hosting university and the US Consulate, the requirements are many. Most of those requirements fall to Boneem, however. When submitting a student's application for admittance to a school, Boneem must not only attest to the ability to support that student, but must also show "bank evidence" that we are capable of providing the promised support. The actual bank records are not required until the final step prior to admittance but they are no less required. Additionally, most (if not all) universities require a prospective foreign student to take the internationally standardized TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test. This is about a three hour exam that is conducted much like our SATs. It is in a strictly controlled and timed environment with grading taking place at only one location based in the USA. The minimum required grade on TOEFL is usually 500.

What makes the process a lengthy and challenging one (especially in Russia) is that the TOEFL test is offered in only a few cities throughout the country and registration must take place, usually, many weeks in advance. Once the test is completed, scores are not available for another 5 weeks. Once the scores are issued, assuming a score of 500 or better, the university issues the necessary documents required for the student to obtain his visa. Additionally, prior to a student's final admission to school, current vaccination records must be produced. However, often times the majority of those vaccines are received once in the US. Once the official acceptance documents are received from the school by Boneem, those documents must be forwarded, in their original form, to the student. These forms will be required by the US Consulate for issuance of a student visa. Along with those forms Boneem must also send a letter from the agency committing to the support of that student (even though such commitment was already made to the school) and official bank documents showing that Boneem has enough money in the bank to pay for the entire first year of that student's education. In Russia, the student must then travel to one of only a couple locations where US Consulate offices are located (often times this means a 20 hour train ride each way) and schedule an appointment for an "interview". That interview could be anywhere from two to four weeks in the future. The student must then return (another 20 hours each way) at the appointed time for his eye-to-eye interview with a consular official. (Note: Boneem will prepare the student for this interview process.) Once the visa has been approved, it takes another 3-5 days for the actual visa to be issued. Once issued, then the plane ticket can be purchased and plans for arrival made.

As can be seen, this is not a simple process overall. However, Boneem is very open to considering any student from any country and will work with sponsors in any way possible to ensure a successful maneuvering through the maze of requirements.

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MEET BONEEM'S CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Presently Boneem is administrating scholarships for two students from Russia. The first one began his education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., in August of 2000. His name is Artom Mirskov. Artom, is from the city of Chapayevsk, which is in the Samara Region, about one hour by commuter train from the Region's center, the city of Samara. Artom's mom, Valentina, lives alone being widowed when Artom was about 10 years old. Valentina is one of only a few Christians in her town of over 50,000. Chapayevsk is a very poor community, even by Russian standards, and formerly housed plants responsible for producing chemical weapon--plants that are now shut down. Artom has a cat, Monya, and also has an older, married sister living in the region. Artom is currently working toward a degree in communications and is the recipient of one of Liberty's work/study scholarships, as well as Boneem's scholarship which is providing close to $10,000/yr to cover the remainder of his expenses. These funds are provided by 11 different families, individuals, churches, and Sunday School classes, each who have pledged either $50 or $100/mth for four years. Artom is a Dean's List student.

The second student, Ekaterina "Katya" Chekashkina, arrived in July of 2000 and desires a degree in business. Katya lives in the city of Samara, a city of about 1.5 million. Samara is about 700 miles SE of Moscow, sitting on the Volga River. Many of the plants in Samara were formerly responsible for the manufacturing of much of Russia's military hardware and transportation. Samara is also the home of Russia's cosmonaut program and has a very proud heritage of over 400 years. Katya's dad. Vladimir, works in Samara's largest department store (not quite like the department stores one would see in the US, however) and her mom, Irina, is one of very few Russian ladies who has chosen to be a stay-at-home-mom. Katya has a younger sister, Anya, and a lovely cat, Polina. Katya was also blessed to receive one of only a few work/study scholarships available from Liberty University and the remainder of her scholarship expenses (also about $10,000/yr) are coming from a single donor.

Artom and Katya are not merely the recipients of Boneem dollars, however. Both have a host family here in the US which is responsible for tending to their medical, dental and miscellaneous needs. Additionally, these two are included in their host families' lives as though they were part of the family. Through such involvement and loving care Boneem hopes to share with both of these youth AND their families a Christian love and tenderness that communicates the love of Christ. A host family does incur some of the costs of having another child added to their family "roster"; however, experience has shown that the blessing received is far more than the cost or inconvenience incurred.

Both of these students put forth a GREAT DEAL of work and had to jump through a myriad of hoops to get here and we wish them all the best. One note: there is always the need for several hundred dollars a year in extra funds to help with Christmas shopping and periodic "surprise packages" or a little extra pocket change for a pizza now and again. So even if you're not involved on a regular basis with either of these two but you would like to help out in some way, feel free to do so. Both of these kids are real good at writing their thank you notes. Additionally, as stated earlier on this page, if you would like to be a four year donor to a scholarship recipient, you may pledge $50 or $100/mth for four years.

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HOW TO SUPPORT BONEEM'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

You have just read in depth about how the scholarship program operates. To simplify what exactly it is that you can do to help, here are the main needs of this program:

1. Monthly donors, committed for a four year term, for any amount that falls in $50 increments (i.e. $50, $100, $150, etc.).
2. One-time donors who would like to fill an entire four year commitment with a one time gift of $2400 or more.
3. Periodic donors who don't want to make the four year commitment but who would like to assist with existing scholarship needs in any amount, preferably in the amount of $100 or more.
4. People who desire to recommend a foreign student for a scholarship and who are willing to secure the required sponsors to support that student through an education.

Boneem's Web site is equipped to receive your tax deductible donation on-line simply by clicking on the Helping.org icon on this page. Your credit card transaction will be conducted through a secure link and your donation will be direct deposited into Boneem's account.

Additionally, at the present time, Boneem is seeking donors willing to give undesignated contributions. As always, we are willing to accept designated gifts for any of the projects and programs that we have listed on this site. Presently, over 95% of Boneem's support comes in designated for specific projects. This is a good thing in some ways, however, it does make it very difficult for Boneem to tend to some of its "incidental" expenses (i.e. annual fees to the State Corporation Commission, maintaining a web site, storage space rental for humanitarian supplies, etc.) or to expand its capabilities. Presently, even Boneem's office space is donated, but that may not always be the case.

We welcome your gifts in any form. If you would like to give on-line, please just click on the Helping.org icon on this page. Your credit card donation will be transacted through a secure connection and your donation will be direct deposited to Boneem's account. If you would like for your donation to be applied to a specific project, please be sure to identify which of Boneem's projects you wish to support. If you would like to know more about Helping.org please visit www.guidestar.org (where, by the way, Boneem also has a listing). Guidestar hosts one of America's largest available listings of public charities. If you have questions you would like to submit directly to us, please send us an e-mail at info@boneem.org

If you would like to give directly to Boneem, please feel free to forward your check to us at the following address. We thank you for your support and your input.

Boneem International
P. O. Box 36260
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: 800-475-6963
Fax: 804-897-1160

If you would like to make Boneem the beneficiary of an insurance policy or endowment gift, please contact us directly. We would most certainly welcome such generosity.

If you own your own business and you would like to add an employee to your payroll---an employee for Boneem International---please contact us directly and we will map out how your commitment to a specified period of support (i.e. two years) could greatly help Boneem move toward having a full time staff person. We have a Russian national we would like to hire. We only need now to secure funds to sponsor her position.

If you have unused cemetery property in a NON city-owned, perpetual care park in your area or city, and you would be willing to donate those arrangements to Boneem, please contact us for information.

If you have real estate that you would like to make available to Boneem for use or for resale, please contact us directly.

All donations are acknowledged immediately. Additionally, at the end of each year Boneem sends out a year-end summary of donations received during that year. Boneem operates on a calendar year.

One note on Boneem finances---after a year or two of "rest" in an effort to structure Boneem more effectively so the administrative responsibilities of the agency would be better distributed among its volunteers---Boneem is once again operating in an affirmatively upward mode. Just in the past year (2000) Boneem's receipts have gone from $9K to over $64K plus tens of thousands of dollars in medical supplies and humanitarian aide. Won't you help in Boneem's efforts to reach a needy world?

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