By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Seabrook employees have several reasons to be happy lately. And for the people they serve, a happy workplace makes a happy home.

This month, 35 area high school students will head to college thanks to Seabrook’s Scholars’ Fund. And along with Erickson, its development and management company, Seabrook employees are still celebrating its selection as one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2008.

Thankful students
The Scholars’ Fund provides each student a scholarship totaling $4,000. Funding is based on voluntary donations made by residents and staff and is raised through various fundraisers and individual contributions. The scholarship funding is paid directly to the students’ respective secondary educational institutions in $500 installments each semester.

“The Scholars’ Fund is Seabrook’s way of providing educational assistance for the bright, dedicated, and hardworking students who are part of our community,” says Art Sparks, Seabrook’s executive director. “I want to personally thank all of our residents who help provide these young men and women with assistance that will potentially help them flourish.”

The fundraising total for 2008 as of June reached more than $111,000, but the total may be increased because contributions are accepted on a continuous basis through year’s end. The Scholars’ Fund program began in 1999 and has raised nearly $497,000 in scholarship money for 113 student staff members.

The Scholars’ Fund recipients must meet certain requirements to be eligible to receive funding, including working at least 1,000 hours at Seabrook over a  consecutive two-year period, amassing a proven exemplary work record, and having plans to attend college or trade school on a full-time basis.

FORTUNE-ate employees
Aside from the student scholars, it seems everyone who works at Seabrook is sporting smiles these days, and it comes across in their service and commitment to their jobs.