ScholarMatch

ScholarMatch is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that connects donors with prospective college students in order for them to help fund students' education.[1]

Background

Founded in 2010 by author Dave Eggers, ScholarMatch makes college possible for low-income, first-generation youth with hands-on workshops, coaching, last-dollar scholarships, and more. ScholarMatch's mission is to make this possible by matching underserved youth with donors, resources, colleges, and professional networks. ScholarMatch envisions a world where all students have access to higher education, support to persist to graduation, and a chance to succeed in a fulfilling career. ScholarMatch provides hands-on college access services to Bay Area students and their parents at its drop-in center in San Francisco’s Mission District and at schools and local community organizations, and provide financial support through scholarship programs.

Infrastructure

ScholarMatch is based in San Francisco but supports students all across the country. ScholarMatch takes a three-pronged approach to their program, using hands-on help applying to college, financial assistance with tuition, and a support system throughout college to support their students. There are currently three programs offered: Destination College, Crowdfunded Scholarships, and College to Career.[2] The Destination College program specifically focuses on high school students and consists of free workshops and one on one college coaching to help the student navigate the college admission and financial aid process. Crowdfunding Scholarships provide need-based, renewable scholarships that are backed by donors from the community. The College to Career program focuses on college students who are transitioning to college life and provides them with career coaching to help prepare for the professional world.

Population Served

ScholarMatch works with low-income and first-generation college students and each year the organization supports approximately 500 students and awards more than $250,000 in scholarships.

References

  1. ↑ Michael Krasny; Dave Eggers; Miel Alegre (July 28, 2010). "ScholarMatch". Forum with Michael Krasny (KQED-FM). Retrieved June 13, 2011.
  2. ↑ ScholarMatch 2014 Impact Report

External links