The Rotary Club of Farmville has launched its Access to College project which makes applying to college more accessible to Prince Edward County youth. The program’s goal is to raise the $10,000 needed to supply Prince Edward County Public School students with funds needed to pay for college admission exams and application fees, and to provide mentoring services.

“Many students in our community would be college bound if the cost to prepare for and apply to college weren’t prohibitive,” said Betty Blevins, Rotary evening meeting chair, who proposed the access to college project. “Once admitted, these students could earn scholarships, but these hidden upfront costs stand in the way.”

As a first step and project launch, the Rotary Club of Farmville donated 20 SAT and ACT prep books to Prince Edward County Public Schools. Prior to the donation, the school only had one SAT and one ACT prep book available and students were unable to check them out of the library for at-home study.

The project’s next fundraising step is “Rotary Runs,” a 5k road race and family fun day to be held at the Hampden-Sydney College campus on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. In addition to the excitement of race day, families can enjoy live music donated by Buffalo Creek Ramblers and free food donated by The Fishin’ Pig.

The event is free for students. Racers can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/HampdenSydney/FarmvilleRotaryRuns.

Those interested are encouraged to follow the event on Facebook for up-to-the-minute details.

Rotary is currently looking for race sponsors. For sponsorship information, contact Betty Blevins at eblevins@hsc.edu.