Charles E. Martin, Sr., Executive Director of the YMCA Urban Youth Services Program for more than 20 years, had a special ability to relate to young people. He knew how to challenge them to think about the future. Dream big, Charles would say. Set goals. Commit to achieving them.

That’s the spirit behind the Charles Martin “Touch a Life” Scholarship Campaign. This $200,000 campaign will create a new $2,500 annual renewable scholarship to help local, academically motivated African-American students attend college. And the scholarship mirrors Mr. Martin’s spirit in a way that goes beyond financial support: Each student who receives a Charles Martin “Touch a Life” Scholarship will be connected with a network of Mr. Martin’s former students. Those students will keep in touch with the young scholar throughout his or her college journey, offering encouragement, inspiration, and advice.

All gifts to the Charles Martin Touch a Life Scholarship Fund will be matched by anonymous donors through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, making every dollar twice as powerful.

Give a gift to support the Charles Martin “Touch a Life” Scholarship Campaign today. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of local African-American students—just as Mr. Martin did.