Many parent groups provide scholarships to former students of their school, and your mission statement seems broad enough to include it as something that would “expand the potential for learning.” However, only your members can decide whether a particular request matches the group’s goals. What’s more, even if a program fits your goals in every way, parents might still decide it’s not a priority and vote to spend the group’s time and efforts on something else. Elly suggests talking with parents to find out whether they support the idea of a scholarship in the first place.
The IRS does have some specific criteria for how nonprofits can award scholarships or grants. If your group decides to go forward, check with the IRS or an attorney to make sure your essay contest and the related rules and guidelines meet legal requirements.
If you would like to promote a relationship with the high school, consider distributing flyers about appropriate high school activities and recruiting parents at your school to help at high school events. Why not arrange a sit-down with parent leaders from both schools to see how you can help each other? You’ll be amazed by the range of experience and ideas brought to the table.