Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Awards Over $500,000 to High School Graduates
The largest single-year amount in the nonprofit's history helps 181 students attend college
ALEXANDRIA, VA – For 34 years the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA) has raised money to help Alexandria students attend college. In its history, the SFA has raised $16.5 million, making the college dream a reality for many. In 2020, the SFA saw its largest single-year total: $504,000.
That number was enough for the nonprofit to award scholarships to 181 graduating seniors.
“For many of our bright, hard-working recipients, the scholarships are the difference between a student going to college or simply staying home,” said SFA Board Chair Priscilla Goodwin. “We are so grateful for the generosity of the Alexandria and DC-area community that makes these scholarships possible, and a college education possible for students in need.”
Sixty-four percent of T.C. Williams High School students live at or below the poverty line. These scholarships will assist graduates when they attend college in the fall.
But the SFA prides itself on being able to support students through all four years of higher education. To fulfill that promise, renewal scholarships are also offered. This year’s renewal total amounts to $550,000. Those scholarships will be awarded later this summer.
Recipients are headed to schools across the country to study in various fields.
“We are so very proud of the next generation of nurses, doctors, business leaders, computer scientists, recording artists, biologists, and professors who are heading off to college this fall thanks to the generosity of this community,” said Beth Lovain, Executive Director of SFA.It has been an extraordinary year wrought with challenges on all sides. We are so very happy to be able to fund these students in their first year of college.”
The SFA had to cancel its annual Spring Black Tie Fundraising Gala and the Scholarship Fund Awards Ceremony this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both are major events for the SFA. However, innovation triumphed. The gala and an auction were held virtually. In place of the awards ceremony, students recorded short thank-you videos to their scholarship donor.
Some of the messages can be seen HERE. To donate to the SFA, click HERE.
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