Horatio Alger

http://www.horatioalger.com/

‘An investment in America’s future.’

This website is or The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished American’s Inc. In 1947 the group was founded to ‘to dispel the mounting belief among the nation's youth that the American Dream was no longer attainable.’

The Horatio Alger Association is made up of people who have been given the Horatio Alger award, which is usually awarded to people who are ‘dedicated community leaders who demonstrate individual initiative and a commitment to excellence’. If an award winner has a partner then that partner is known as a Horatio Alger Life Partner.

The group is very much influenced by the book ‘Ragged Dick’ and aims to make the youth of America aware that ‘hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles’ and teaches them about America’s ‘free enterprise’. As with the character of Ragged Dick, the group encourages American youths to work hard in order to achieve their very best and better their selves.

Not only does The Horatio Alger Association teach children to live an honest lifestyle like Ragged Dick did, they also give out scholarships to them in order to help them actually progress with their education and careers they chose.

This is the Association’s ‘Mission’:

·

To induct as lifetime Members of the Association contemporary role models whose experiences exemplify that opportunities for a successful life are available to all individuals who are dedicated to the principles of integrity, hard work, perseverance and compassion for others.

· To provide scholarship assistance to deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity and determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society.

· To mentor scholarship recipients and educate all youth about the limitless possibilities that are available through the American free enterprise system, while underscoring the importance of service to others.

From this it is clear to see that the character of Ragged Dick is a complete role model to the association and has obviously shaped the direction of their ‘mission’.