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The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis

2024 Annual Report

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The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
2024 Annual Report

Foundation staff and students began 2024 in the midst of a crisis caused by dysfunctions with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which triggered delays and challenges for low-income students across the nation. As students and families struggled to navigate the process of making life-changing financial decisions, Foundation advisors answered the call to help – not just on an individual basis, but in local and national media, sharing the urgency of the problem and tools to address it with a widening audience.

The FAFSA debacle ushered in an ongoing season of upheaval and rapid change in higher education and the nation more broadly. The importance of individualized, current, and well-informed advice to low-income students navigating higher education is absolutely critical. Gap-closing awards in the form of scholarship grants and interest-free loans create access and a path where options were thin or nonexistent. Advocacy for better – better policies, better circumstances on campus, better options for students seeking to improve their futures and communities – is essential.

Through education, we all stand to benefit. A strong democracy relies on education. The Foundation’s origins in creating opportunities to access higher education, thereby supporting an enduring democracy, guide its work and priorities today. Thank you for joining in support of the mission and students that have defined The Scholarship Foundation for 104 years.

Leadership

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In 2024, the Foundation community recognized and thanked Lauren Nash Ming for her three-year term as board president. Lauren’s grace, attention to relationships, and depth of care for the students and mission of the Foundation shone throughout her presidency. The Foundation is proud to continue benefiting from her support and friendship as an honorary life director.
Tom Ruwitch was elected as Lauren’s successor and began his presidential term in June. With experience serving in several board committee leadership roles and family and community ties spanning generations, Tom brings enthusiasm and expertise to his new leadership position.

Advancement Committee

Muhammad Islam, Vice-President

Azmy Azmy

Buff Buffkin

Matt Dace

Jennie Jean-Jacques

Lauren Nash Ming

Barb Touchette

Advocacy Committee

Debra Kennard, Vice-President

Jacqueline Meaders Booth

Clayton Evans

Laura Kipnis

Lainie Neiman

Beth-Anne Yakubu

Board Development Committee

April Mickens Jolly, Chair

Cory Bricker

Cardelia Collier-Robinson

Lynne Kipnis

Paula Knight

Jill Nowak

Jordan Watson

Planning and Finance Committee

Jan Hendrickson, Treasurer

Jen Engling

Brian Fernandez

Joel Iskiwitch

David Meyer

Bob Schmalz

Heidi Veron

Program Committee

John Milonas, Vice-President 

Martha Aronson

Gerald Axelbaum

Linda Goldstein

Michael Jones

Katy Kreusser

Joan Magruder

Gwen Mizell

Estie Pruett

Honorary Life Directors

Buff Buffkin

Betsy Douglass

Joyce Follman

Linda Goldstein

Joel Iskiwitch

Nancy Kalishman

Lynne Kipnis

Julia Muller

Estie Pruett

Audrey Shanfeld

Barbara Touchette

Awards

In 2024, The Scholarship Foundation awarded $6.5 million to 554 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 $10,140 and the average loan award was $7,478. Now in its third year, an updated repayment policy has replaced a one-size-fits-all policy, resulting in increased economic equity for borrowers.

Read about a student whose award made it possible for her to take a deep breath and focus on her future.
Learn More about Awards
View the Key Performance Indicators
View the Program Dashboard
View the Equity Dashboard

Awards

In 2024, The Scholarship Foundation awarded $6.5 million to 554 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 $10,140 and the average loan award was $7,478. Now in its third year, an updated repayment policy has replaced a one-size-fits-all policy, resulting in increased economic equity for borrowers.
Read about a student whose award made it possible for her to take a deep breath and focus on her future.
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Learn More about Awards
View the Key Performance Indicators
View the Program Dashboard
View the Equity Dashboard

Advocacy

Ten Foundation scholars served as paid policy fellows at the start of 2024, setting policy priorities and meeting with Missouri state legislators to advocate for improved access to college for low-income students. Additionally, policy fellows hosted a Scholarship Foundation board training workshop focused on campus, state, and federal level policies that directly affect college access. Also in 2024, a small cohort of fellows, along with select Foundation staff members, traveled to Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City to meet and train fellow student leaders during a time of campus unrest. In November, The Scholarship Foundation welcomed its 12th cohort of ten students to comprise the 2024-25 Policy Fellowship Program. Overall, The Scholarship Foundation fellows, staff, and board members dedicated 3,869 hours to advocacy work in 2024.
Read about the policy fellows' experience on a missouri campus in crisis.
Learn More about Advocacy

Advocacy

Ten Foundation scholars served as paid policy fellows at the start of 2024, setting policy priorities and meeting with Missouri state legislators to advocate for improved access to college for low-income students. Additionally, policy fellows hosted a Scholarship Foundation board training workshop focused on campus, state, and federal level policies that directly affect college access. Also in 2024, a small cohort of fellows, along with select Foundation staff members, traveled to Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City to meet and train fellow student leaders during a time of campus unrest. In November, The Scholarship Foundation welcomed its 12th cohort of ten students to comprise the 2024-25 Policy Fellowship Program. Overall, The Scholarship Foundation fellows, staff, and board members dedicated 3,869 hours to advocacy work in 2024.
Read about the policy fellows' experience on a missouri campus in crisis.
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Learn More about Advocacy

Advising

In 2024, Scholarship Foundation advisors facilitated seventeen professional development offerings across the St. Louis area and worked with over 6,309 individuals through virtual meetings, workshops, and individual guidance, providing information and resources to support students’ decision-making and long-term goals.
Learn More about Advising
Read the 2024 Advising Report

Advising

In 2024, Scholarship Foundation advisors facilitated seventeen professional development offerings across the St. Louis area and worked with over 6,309 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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Learn More about Advising
Read the 2024 Advising Report

Designated Scholar Loans

1981-2021
The Scholarship Foundation is grateful to those who generously contributed to the Designated Scholar Loan program during its 40-year history. These contributions formed the bedrock of the interest-free loan program, supporting many students on their way to graduation and allowing the Foundation to increase its reach. DSL funds continue to be recycled to support new students, and all DSLs will be listed in perpetuity.
For more information, questions, or comments regarding this report, please contact Jenny Weber, Director of Advancement, at jenny@sfstl.org or (314) 932-6927.
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Overview
Financials
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