Heritage in Translation by Eythana Miller
Today we bring you the second recorded session from the Plain Roots Conference held in Middlebury, Indiana on June 26 and 27. This one features Eythana Miller, who presented on her project Heritage in Translation. Eythana is the Program Manager and Secretary of ADSF. She grew up in Libby, Montana, in an unconventional Amish community…
Read MoreOpening Talk at the Plain Roots Conference
Today we begin bringing you videos from the Plain Roots conference held on June 26 and 27, starting with the opening talk that I gave. Each segment of the conference will have a biography of the speaker or speakers. Here is mine: Saloma grew up Amish in Ohio. She left her community twice — first…
Read MoreYour Support is Needed
Hello Readers, We’re taking a pause from reporting on our conference to let you know we have a record number of applicants again this year… 25 in all. Last year we had a record number at 19, and this year we outdid that number. It is gratifying to know that we are reaching the students…
Read MoreReflections of the Plain Roots Conference
Our Plain Roots conference in Middlebury, Indiana went well last week… so well! The stories that speakers had to tell were equally heartwarming and inspiring. Many of the stories were about overcoming major obstacles on the way to academia, and the deeper the struggle, the greater the triumph. We will be going into detail about…
Read MoreConference Updates and Last Call for Registrations
The Plain Roots: Community, Story, and Support for Higher Education Conference is just around the corner. The link leads you to much more information about the conference, including an updated schedule of events. The team at ADSF has decided to extend our deadline for the conference to the 24th, so if you were thinking of…
Read MoreA Mind Set Free: Part 2
Photo: Sharon Beachy’s graduation from SCF A Mind Set Free: Part 2 By Sharon Beachy Upon receiving my GED, I immediately enrolled for my first semester of college at Indian River State College in Vero Beach, FL. Not knowing where to begin, I met with an academic advisor to discuss next steps in my…
Read MoreA Mind Set Free: Part 1
Photo: Sharon receiving her GED diploma from Treasure Coast Technical College in Vero Beach, FL As promised on Thursday, today I bring you Sharon Beachy, our new ADSF board member. Her story speaks for itself, but Sharon brings to the board new, innovative ideas, energy that only a young person can offer, and yet she…
Read MoreAmish Roots Conference: Breaking the Eighth-Grade Barrier
The deadline for signing up for the Amish Roots Conference is four days away. If you have been meaning to register and haven’t yet, now is your chance. Or if this is your first time hearing about it, you still have time. You can go to our Events page to learn more and register. Just…
Read MoreHow the Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund was Founded
Today I would like to honor the founders of the Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund, Emma Miller and Naomi Kramer Yoder. With only the eighth-grade education of her Amish childhood, Emma had earned her GED, then began taking college courses at a community college before enrolling at San Diego State University. She writes: “The idea for ADSF…
Read MoreTwo Exciting Announcements!
Registration: Our registration for scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open to students. If you would like to apply, please visit our Scholarships page to determine whether you are eligible. If so, there is a link on that page to take you to our application form. We look forward to receiving your…
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