A transformative $10 million donation has been announced at Salem State University in Massachusetts, aimed at providing substantial scholarships for students in the Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services and the McKeown School of Education. 

The anonymous donation establishes the Clipper Scholarship, specifically designed to assist students who fall just above the threshold for Pell Grant eligibility, a demographic often neglected by conventional financial aid.

“Private donations like this are essential for maintaining a dynamic educational environment that fosters critical thinking and prepares students to make a significant impact on society,” Salem State University President John D. Keenan said in a press release. “This generous gift enhances our academic standing and ensures our students reach their full potential.”

The Clipper Scholarship will cover key expenses, including tuition, housing, textbooks, and meal plans, significantly reducing the financial burden on students and helping them stay on course for graduation. 

The anonymous donor made this contribution in honor of their parents, who graduated from Salem State in the 1950s. Reflecting on their own educational journey, the donor emphasized the need to remove financial barriers in education, noting, “Supporting these students is crucial for the future of our country.”

“The idea that education is a great equalizer is just as vital today as it was when Salem State was founded,” Cheryl Webster, vice president of advancement, said in the release. “This kind of extraordinary philanthropy enables us to invest deeply in our students’ future success.”

The impact of this donation will be immediate, with students already benefiting from the scholarship this fall. Bonnie Galinski, vice president of student success, emphasized that this donation will help close the financial gap for students with unmet need, providing them with the necessary resources to pursue their education while minimizing their debt.