Your Gifts Transform Lives

I have discovered that the one thing more important than having a dream is having someone believe in you enough to help make that dream a reality...The generous donors of Purchase College make it possible for me, and students like me, to follow our dreams.
- Courtney Jones, Scholarship Reception Speaker, Class of 2004

Imagine what a tremendous difference your gift makes for students who receive scholarships. Giving scholarships is like planting seeds to grow a garden. So much can grow from something so small. Many of our students are from the first generation in their families to achieve a higher education. The potential this opens for the future is truly unlimited.

As tuition rates increase and state assistance diminishes, our students rely on people who care deeply about educating talented, dedicated learners. The need has never been more urgent.

Today’s Job Market Demands Higher Education

As the workplace grows more complex, higher education has become a critical component for future success. Our students range from eager high school graduates to mature adults faced with the need to compete in an increasingly sophisticated job market. Education and technological literacy are essential for individuals to live, work, and make creative contributions to our world.

Cost of Education

The need for scholarship dollars is urgent. Although we try to provide education at an affordable cost, SUNY recently faced the necessity of raising tuition. We believe that the ability to pay should never determine one’s opportunity for an education, yet only 14.9% of students receive any scholarship dollars, and the average scholarship award is just $1685 per year. This falls far short of the need, when tuition alone costs $4350 for New York State residents and $11,000 for out-of-state students.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RESPOND TO THEIR BENEFACTORS
Excerpts from Real Letters Written by Students to the Donors Who Changed Their Lives:

     “I come from a third world country where education of male children is more valued than female ones. Although I was a good student early in my life, at the age of fifteen I had to drop out of high school, get a full time job and help my family, so my brother could go to college. However, while holding jobs I disliked but had to make a living, I could not give up my lifetime dream of earning a college degree.
     You changed my life. Today, because of you I am almost at the end of this journey and ready to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science…After my graduation I plan to work in an area where I can make a difference in human rights matters.”

     “Being an only child, and living with a disabled mom (my dad passed away a few years back), this money allows me to pursue my goal of a degree. As you can imagine, it is hard supporting a mom who is not well, working a job and studying for school to keep up a good GPA. It is the unselfishness of people like yourself that allows people like myself to attain their dreams…Please know that your gift is truly appreciated.”

     “I am an adult who returned to school five years ago. I first went to Westchester Community College where I obtained an A.S. degree in Liberal Arts…I pursued my studies with great eagerness, always striving to do the very best I could, which enabled me to be an Honors graduate.
     I knew I wanted to continue my college education at that point, but I was faced with a dilemma. I have one son who was a senior in high school at the time and was also looking to pursue a college education. Naturally wanting the best for my son, his education was more important to me. I just figured I would work while he went to school then at a later date would continue my education. My husband insisted that I apply to Purchase College, even if it meant money matters would be very tight.
     When I received the news that I was a recipient for the Merit Scholarship, I was overjoyed. Receiving this scholarship meant that I would be able to attend school and put more energies into my studying instead of worrying about the tuitions. I can’t thank you enough for this…I hope that someday I will be able to help out a struggling student as you have helped me. I am so appreciative of your kindness and generosity.”