STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest In the Value of Education) is a Rotary sponsored mentoring program with scholarship incentives for select high school seniors who desire to improve their academic performance and who meet our program criteria.  Criteria include high school graduation, regular STRIVE meeting attendance, improved GPA's, and completion of a goal setting plan.
 
The Rotary Club of Brainerd - Noon Club sponsors a STRIVE program at Brainerd High School, beginning in 2008 and a STRIVE program at Pillager High School beginning in 2014.  Several of our club members also participate in the Rotary Club of Central Lakes sponsored STRIVE program at Pine River - Backus High School beginning in 2013 and a STRIVE program at Pequot Lakes High School scheduled to begin in 2016..
 
STRIVE meetings are held approximately twice monthly at each participating high school.  Meetings start with a mentor presentation of a pertinent topic for personal growth and improving academic performance, followed by small group discussions consisting of 1-2 adult mentors with perhaps 4-5 students at each discussion table.  Upon completion of the academic year, STRIVE students and parents are invited to a club sponsored recognition program for them, typically during a regular club meeting.