January 28, 2021
Sallie Mae and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Launch $3 Million Scholarship Program
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has announced a partnership with the Sallie Mae Fund to launch a new initiative that will meet the needs of minority students and those from marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+, low-income, and first-generation college students.
The Sallie Mae Fund, which is the charitable arm of Sallie Mae®, has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to launch a new $3 million scholarship program. The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program is slated to provide $1 million a year for the next three years to help students access, as well as complete college, and help provide the funds for graduate school. Nearly 900 students will receive scholarships through the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program.
“Higher education transforms lives, and we’re committed to removing the financial barriers that so often prevent students from persisting to degree completion,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which represents the 47 publicly funded historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly Black institutions.
“A college degree positions students for greater career success and spurs the kind of economic mobility that can change the life trajectory for a student. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Sallie Mae on this scholarship program.”
“While the benefits and value of a higher education have never been greater, the system too often favors those with advantage,” said Jonathan Witter, CEO of Sallie Mae. “Far too many first-generation, low-income, and minority students face obstacles in reaching and completing college, which has a generational impact.”
“Without action, those inequities will persist. Our partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund will power students with the confidence and resources they need to achieve not only a degree but the future they deserve.”
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program offers three specific scholarships:
The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors: The Sallie Mae Fund will award (25) $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to enroll in a two- or four-year degree, professional certificate, or vocational training program. Seniors who excel inside and outside of the classroom and demonstrate financial need can apply now through March 8 at salliemae.com/about/scholarship-opportunities.
The Completing the Dream Scholarship: The Sallie Mae Fund will award (260) gap scholarships worth up to $2,500 to minority students and those from underserved communities who are on track to graduate but are at risk of not completing due to financial emergencies or unpaid school bills. Students can apply now through March 8 at salliemae.com/about/scholarship-opportunities.
The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students: Coming later this year, The Sallie Mae Fund will also offer (10) $10,000 scholarships to minority students and those from disadvantaged communities who are pursuing a graduate degree.