Sallie Mae Contributes $100,000 to Point Foundation to Support College Scholarships
The Sallie Mae Fund has announced a $100,000 grant to the Point Foundation, the largest scholarship organization for LGBTQ students. This grant will fund scholarships for LGBTQ students attending community colleges and support Point Foundation's mentorship, leadership, and professional development programs. The initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ students, including financial difficulties and mental health issues. The scholarship program has grown significantly since its inception, now featuring a broad network of students and leaders across the country. Since 2020, Sallie Mae has contributed $350,000 to the Point Foundation.
- Sallie Mae Fund's $100,000 grant supports LGBTQ students' access to higher education.
- Grant funding includes mentorship, leadership, and professional development programs.
- The scholarship program has expanded significantly since its inception.
- Sallie Mae has contributed a total of $350,000 to Point Foundation since 2020.
- No financial gain or direct benefit to Sallie Mae’s bottom line is mentioned.
- The press release does not specify the long-term sustainability of this funding initiative.
Grant From The Sallie Mae Fund Will Help LGBTQ Students Access Higher Education
Research confirms LGBTQ students face unique challenges in accessing and completing higher education. They are more likely to experience financial difficulties, unfair treatment, and mental health struggles that can impact academic success.
“Our partnership with The Sallie Mae Fund will be instrumental in helping LGBTQ community college students both access and succeed in higher education,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO, Point Foundation. “Supporting community college students is more important than ever, as more students turn to community colleges in pursuit of skills that will help them build a better future.”
The Point Foundation Community College Scholarship gives LGBTQ students financial aid and leadership development programming. Community College Scholars are connected to other LGBTQ students and leaders around the country, creating a network of support. The scholarship has more than tripled since its initial class of 25 in 2017.
The following students have been selected to receive a Point Foundation Community College Scholarship supported by The Sallie Mae Fund:
-
Aleya McDonald of
El Cajon, Ca. , attending Grossmont College -
Amelia Glaz of
Rocklin, Ca. , attending Sierra College -
Andres Acebo of
Sacramento, Ca. , attending Cosumnes River College -
Avery Whitman of
Bangor, Maine , attending Eastern Maine Community College -
Dahlia Hanson of
Portland, Ore. , attending Portland Community College -
Elliot Polevoi of
Astoria, Ore. , attending Clatsop Community College -
Gabriel Trousset of
Oceanside, Ca. , attending MiraCosta College -
Jacoby Spicer of
Rochester, N.Y. , attending Monroe Community College -
Laney
Eddington ofEl Cajon, Ca. , attending Cuyamaca College -
Laurah Hester of
Springfield, Ohio ., attending Clark State College
“As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, this contribution is personal for me and aligns to our mission to power confidence as students navigate their unique journeys,” said Kathy Edwards, Chief Diversity Officer, Sallie Mae. “That unique journey is especially true for LGBTQ+ students who often face significant obstacles in accessing and completing college. I couldn’t think of a better way to recognize and celebrate Pride Month but even more so, I’m especially grateful that the impact and reach of this contribution will be felt for years to come.”
Since 2020, The Sallie Mae Fund has contributed
Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen. Learn more at SallieMae.com. Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of
About Point Foundation
Point Foundation is the largest LGBTQ scholarship-granting 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society. For more, visit: https://pointfoundation.org/
Category: Community and Philanthropy
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240612401017/en/
Caron Jackson
302.304.3041
caron.jackson@salliemae.com
Sarah Mason
866.337.6468
sarah@poinfroundation.org
Source: Sallie Mae
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