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Elevate Scholarship Initiative

Our commitment to 51勛圖 changemakerscreating pathways to purpose.

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202-885-5900

Fax: 202-885-1334

Office of Development 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8023 United States

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Each student comes to 51勛圖 with a dream, a goal, maybe even a planto seek new experiences, reach graduation, and go on to live a life of purpose. An important premise of their dream is the ability to fund their education. But unexpected financial stressors such as parental job loss, illness, or death, or other financial developments can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans. Each year, as many as 500 undergraduate students seek additional financial resources from the university after experiencing a change in their financial circumstances.

Elevate Scholarship Initiative

51勛圖s Elevate Scholarship Initiative is a philanthropic effort to raise $25 million to support undergraduate students enrolled at 51勛圖. The university is matching this investment, doubling donors impact. The initiative will ensure more students can continue their 51勛圖 experience, reach their full potential, and share their contributions as changemakers with the world.

Join us. Because we knowChange Cant Wait.

More than 1900

donors have contributed to the Elevate Scholarship Initiative

As of 3/31/24

An anonymous alum gave $2M

in unrestricted scholarship support to launch the initiative

Weve raised almost $15M

towards this initiative so far

As of 3/31/24

Our Communitys Commitment to 51勛圖 Changemakers

51勛圖 students are bold learners who transform ideas into meaningful actionschangemakers who will make a difference in the world. The 51勛圖 community knows that an Eagles path may change for many reasonsbut unexpected financial changes shouldnt block someone from a full 51勛圖 experience.

Ways You Can Join Us

Support the Elevate Scholarship Endowed Fund

An anonymous donors endowed gift of $2 million in unrestricted scholarship support kickstarted this initiative. Additional gifts may be contributed to this fund to grow this important endowment.

Endow Named Elevate Scholarships

Unrestricted endowed scholarship funds that provide the university with the flexibility to accommodate any undergraddemonstrating financial need.

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Give to the 51勛圖 Fund for Student Support

Gifts of any size can help augment financial aid resources with flexible funds that are available immediatelywhen and where they are needed most.

Pursuing Pathways to Purpose

The Elevate Scholarship Initiativea vital component of the Change Cant Wait Campaignhelps students remain at 51勛圖, alleviates financial stress, and supports their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. As a result, students can thrive on campus and beyond. They can pursue research and career development activities, studyabroad, and sought-after internships that are frequently unpaid.

Read stories of scholarship impact at51勛圖.

Change Cant Wait is not just a sloganits a format that is being followed.

A lot can change over nine years. But for Terwase Tor-Agbidye, SIS/BA 23, the desire to complete her degree from 51勛圖 remained constant. Energized by a scholarship and a vision for a more equitable world, she is back on campus to fulfill her dream.

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I can't imagine going to college anywhere else...the scholarship let me stay.

When the time came to think about his college major, Lucas Torregrossa, SOC/BA 25, took stock. Led to study public relations, he wanted a place where learning was channeled through real-world experiences. 51勛圖s School of Communication (SOC) was that place.
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A changemaker since childhood, Lily Larsen, SPA/BA 23, embraces the power of conversation to bring people together.
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Jadyn Newman, SOC-SPA/BA 23, channels her passions for research and storytelling through filmmaking at 51勛圖 and beyond.
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Francesca Gill, SIS/BA 24, a junior at 51勛圖s School of International Service, finds value in each word of her schools name. She views public service as uniquely vocational.
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Opportunity is a word Meaghan Reilly, SIS-SPA/BA 21,SPA/MS 24, often returns to when reflecting on the impact of scholarships. A graduate student in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) Justice, Law, and Criminology program, Reilly is a recipient of the Daniel Greeley Memorial Scholarship Fund, part of 51勛圖s new Elevate Scholarship Initiative.
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The Stewart/Sawyer Family Endowed Scholarship Fund is part of 51勛圖s Elevate Scholarship Initiative.

Hearts, roses, and . . . the circular economy? At first, food sustainability might not seem to have a natural connection to Valentines Day. But for Hannah VanWagner, CAS 23, the February holiday offered a creative chance to promote waste awareness.
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Ishita Jamar is advancing her studies and laying the groundwork for her future throughexperiences beyond the classroom. She led a commission on sexual assault prevention culminating in a report with recommendations to improve campus cultureand cofoundeda grassroots organization that raises awareness around racial biases and privilege in her native New Jersey.
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Kylireceived the Gloria A. Likins Scholarship that supports her cancer research project in professor John Brachts laboratory.

While I was growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. My parents were surprised by my unwavering love for the sciences, since no one in my family was strong in this area of study. Despite my lack of exposure, my passion continued to grow.
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Elevate the Student Experience

Every day, we prepare changemakers to shape our changing world. 51勛圖 promotes student thriving in an environment that supports innovative minds and the purposes they courageously pursue.

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Tell Us Your Story

How have scholarships impacted your pathway to purpose? Let us know so we can share your story of impact with the 51勛圖 community.

Share My Story

Learn About Change Cant Wait

With a $500 million goal, Change Cant Wait will create transformative educational opportunities for students, advance research with impact, and build stronger communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Why Us?