As we all confront the challenges of the pandemic and its effects, our alumni, friends, and donors have asked how they can make a difference in the lives of SBS students. When you make a tax deductible gift to SBS today, your contribution will go directly to supporting students by:
Weaving a Safety Net for Students Who Need it Most
With the sudden pivot to remote learning, some SBS students have lost access to basic needs like WiFi service, computers, supplies, and a safe and conducive learning environment. As we transition to spring semester over the next few months, many SBS students – particularly those of limited means - will be disproportionately affected and will contend with financial challenges and uncertainty. Your gift will support these vulnerable students through the SBS Dean’s Priority Fund.
“With being at home without access to a computer or library, I was worried about remote learning. Having access to a computer will provide me with one less thing to stress and worry about this semester and I am grateful! Your donations are really helping me and other students in need.”- Recipient of a donated Chromebook laptop enabled through SBS funding
"Going into my freshman year of college, I had to carry the stress of knowing this would increase my mom’s financial burden. However, because of this scholarship, I am now being given the chance to enter my sophomore year without this stress, and my family and I thank you."- Anonymous SBS Scholarship Recipient
Funding Life-Changing Experiences
The pandemic has upended valuable internship programs and research opportunities that students typically participate in each semester. Not only do these experiences engage students in critical real-world research and work experience but they also prepare students to secure full-time opportunities in a competitive job market upon graduation. Thanks to generous SBS donors, our students received scholarships to fund virtual internships and research projects this past summer, including 'SBS in DC'. Your gift today will go towards supporting students like these who say:
“It is thoughtful individuals like you that inspire others to grow and achieve their fullest potential. I cannot thank you enough for this award. Without your help, the decision to pursue my dream would have been put on hold but because of your help, I am one step closer to this goal of mine.”- Internship Program Participant
Helping to Fulfill our Diversity and Inclusiveness Mission
SBS provides specialized opportunities and programs for historically underrepresented undergraduate students.
The Academic Fellows Program (AFP) offers students who identify as first-generation, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and/or are from families with low incomes a range of specialized opportunities including Summer Bridges College Orientation Program, Laptop & Graphic Calculator Assistance Program, Alternative Spring Break in DC, faculty mentoring, networking events with alumni and students, career and professional development, and more.
“I am writing today to thank you for your investment in the AFP organization. This is my second year being an AFP Diversity Fellow representing the Political Science department and because of your donation I have been able to work less hours so I can invest more of my time into organizing AFP events."- AFP Diversity Fellow
The UMass Women into Leadership (UWiL) program addresses gender disparities in public service by providing leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to undergraduate students.
“UWiL changed my life forever. It has taught me how important it is to not only have confidence in myself but also in the women around me. It has allowed me to create a network throughout UMass that I didn’t think was possible."- UWiL Participant
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MA | 159 |
| 2 | NY | 16 |
| 3 | VA | 12 |