After two years of record-breaking virtual fundraisers, Scholarship America’s Dreams to Success event is heading back to Washington, DC!
Join us on June 16, 2022 at the InterContinental – The Wharf on the beautiful Potomac River waterfront for a night of celebration, inspiration and fundraising.
Jessica Batten grew up learning the value of community service and advocacy for others. “It tugs at my heartstrings that many people do not have their fundamental needs met – housing, food, et cetera,” Jessica says. “I want people to have [those] fundamental needs met so they can grow intellectually and spiritually.”
Jessica’s commitment to giving back was inspired by her parents, grandparents and especially her “Aunt Sheila the Great,” who she says “was the kindest, most genuine person … she was a nurse, and her life was dedicated to helping others and making her community a better place to live.” When Sheila passed away, Jessica decided she needed to do something special to pay tribute to her beloved aunt—and an unlikely coincidence pointed her in the right direction.
Visit our blog to find out how Jessica used tiaras, tutus and a 26.2-mile run to create a brighter future for students!
Live Your Legacy
When we hear the words “leave a legacy,” we often think of something financial, or of monetary value, that benefits the welfare of others long after we’re gone—but if we shift our mindset 180 degrees, our legacy becomes about the life and the world we’re living in, and how our future plans make the present day better.
Research shows that adults lose meaning in their lives without a sense of working to create a legacy. Living your legacy means working to give a donation to a favorite charity now, allowing you to see the profound impact of your gift in the present.
Scholarship America offers five planned giving resources that can help with your legacy, including through a Qualified Charitable Contribution. This way, you claim the donation as a charitable gift but pay no taxes on the distribution from your IRA. It’s a win-win for you and Scholarship America.
Live your legacy today and appreciate how your gift impacts others both now and in the future. Contact Director of Development, John Chandler, to discuss Planned Giving at 952-853-0675 or jchandler@scholarshipamerica.org.
Meet Our New President & CEO, Mike Nylund
Last month, we kicked off an exciting new chapter in our history, introducing Mike Nylund as our new president & CEO, following the retirement of Robert C. Ballard. Mike has been an integral part of Scholarship America leadership since 2013, when he joined our organization to lead our Partner Solutions team—and he brings to his new role deep connections to the world of scholarships and financial aid.
Like the students we serve, Mike followed his own path to success through scholarships. He grew up in a small mining town in rural northern Michigan, with big college goals. He received a maximum federal Pell Grant and took on work-study jobs to pay for his education at Michigan State—but still faced a shortfall.
Private scholarships were able to fill that gap.
“It was only through the generosity of a small family foundation that I was able to graduate, and to get access to the quality of education. That drives me today. A need-based, renewable scholarship truly changed my life. Period.” Mike says.
