The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
2023 Annual Report
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The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
2023 Annual Report

In 2023, national events punctuated the college access and completion world: June’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to prohibit admissions on the basis of race, or in which race is a determining factor, prompted changes in enrollment management policies and practices at institutions across the nation. Additionally in 2023, the U.S. Department of Education promised a redesigned Free Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) which was then delayed until December 31. These events triggered tectonic shifts which have shaken students attempting to navigate changes that threaten individual aspirations. And as the cost of attendance continues to rise, so does the concern for the financial solvency of some colleges and universities.

The Scholarship Foundation’s expert advice, gap-closing funding, and advocacy for systems change are dearly needed sources of hope. In 2023, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Edward Jones partnered to launch the Edward Jones Scholarship, which was awarded to 75 students who started their college careers in the fall. The Foundation’s Student Advisors reached thousands of students and families in the process of making life-changing financial and educational decisions. Foundation Policy Fellows traveled to Washington, D.C., Jefferson City, and to institutions of higher education to promote positive change. The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis puts high-quality advice, awards, and advocacy within reach for students, families, and community. Thank you for being part of that community.

Leadership

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Lauren Nash Ming’s term as President of the Board of Directors began in 2021 after years of board service and involvement through the Helen E. Nash, M.D. Educational Trust Fund Scholarship which she and her family established. In 2023, her leadership and guidance modeled perfectly the spirit of collaboration and learning that defines the Foundation.

Awards

In 2023, The Scholarship Foundation awarded $5.86 million to 527 students of good character and academic potential from low-income families. These awards came in the form of scholarship grants and interest-free loans. All awards are renewable and last-dollar, meaning the awards close the remaining gap in funding and ensure that students are not forced to withdraw from school short of graduation. The average grant award was $9,634 and the average loan award was $7,094. Now in its second year, an updated repayment policy has replaced a one-size-fits-all policy, resulting in increased economic equity for borrowers.
Read how Awards made it possible for one scholar to become a foundation donor right after graduation.

Awards

In 2023, The Scholarship Foundation awarded $5.86 million to 527 students of good character and academic potential from low-income families. These awards came in the form of scholarship grants and interest-free loans. All awards are renewable and last-dollar, meaning the awards close the remaining gap in funding and ensure that students are not forced to withdraw from school short of graduation. The average grant award was $9,634 and the average loan award was $7,094. Beginning with the graduating class of 2021, The Scholarship Foundation implemented a new repayment policy for its interest-free loans which replaced the one-size-fits-all repayment policy with individualized repayment plans based on the borrower’s anticipated earnings and total balance owed. The new policy increases economic equity for borrowers.
Read how Awards made it possible for one scholar to begin a career and become a foundation donor right after graduation.
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Advocacy

Fifteen scholars served as paid Scholarship Foundation policy fellows at the start of 2023, setting policy priorities and meeting with legislators to advocate for college access. Spring advocacy activities included hosting a board training workshop and traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders. Read more about the trip to the Capitol HERE. In October, The Scholarship Foundation welcomed its 11th cohort of twelve students to comprise the 2023-24 Policy Fellowship Program. The Scholarship Foundation received the award for Troublemakers of the Best Kind: Education Equity from the young people of LEAD-STL.  
Read how a policy fellow's past inspires her future.

Advocacy

Fifteen scholars served as paid Scholarship Foundation policy fellows at the start of 2023, setting policy priorities and meeting with legislators to advocate for college access. Spring advocacy activities included hosting a board training workshop and traveling to Washington DC to meet with Congressional offices. Read more about the trip to the Capital HERE. In October, The Scholarship Foundation welcomed its 11th cohort of twelve to comprise the 2023-24 Policy Fellowship Program. The Scholarship Foundation received the award for Troublemakers of the Best Kind: Education Equity from the young people of LEAD-STL.  
Read how one fellow's past has inspired her future.
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Advising

In 2023, Scholarship Foundation advisors facilitated seven professional development offerings across the St. Louis area and worked with over 5,768 individuals through virtual meetings, workshops, and individual guidance, providing information and resources to support students’ decision-making and long-term goals.

Advising

In 2023, Scholarship Foundation advisors facilitated seven professional development offerings across the St. Louis area and worked with over 5,768 individuals through virtual meetings, workshops, and individual guidance, providing information and resources to support students’ decision-making and long-term goals.
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2023 Equity Report

All Scholarship Foundation students demonstrate financial need. That economic condition is an objective fact, but by fairly and carefully awarding, advising, and advocating, The Scholarship Foundation proves that the dynamics of generations of discriminatory policies and practices can be disrupted, for the good of all. Read about our new report on equity in the Spring edition of Opening Doors, or click the button below to dive into the data.

2023 Equity Report

All Scholarship Foundation students demonstrate financial need. That economic condition is an objective fact, but by fairly and carefully awarding, advising, and advocating, The Scholarship Foundation proves that the dynamics of generations of discriminatory policies and practices can be disrupted, for the good of all. Read about our new report on equity in the Spring edition of Opening Doors, or click the button below to dive into the data.
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