By Kendra Pintor
Scripps College is taking a bold step towards increasing inclusion and social mobility through the Scripps Access Initiative (SAI). This groundbreaking initiative has already raised more than $2.5 million, thanks to the generosity of the Scripps community. In recognition of the College’s centennial, Scripps aims to secure $10 million of its $15 million goal by 2026.
The initiative aims to bolster financial aid and introduce new scholarships, specifically for Pell-eligible students and those with undocumented status. The far-reaching impact of SAI extends beyond the confines of the College. The Scripps Access Initiative strengthens Scripps’ position as a leader among top liberal arts colleges on a national scale, broadening its impact on social mobility and inclusivity.
This dedicated fund will be directed towards four-year scholarships covering the total cost of attendance for students who meet the eligibility requirements. By doing so, Scripps College underscores its dedication to breaking down financial barriers to create equitable access to Scripps.
Currently, students who are Pell-eligible or have undocumented status collectively make up approximately 11% of Scripps’ student body. They’ve achieved graduation rates of 92–95% in four of the past five years, consistently outperforming overall College graduation rates. Gifts will increase financial aid to allow Scripps to enroll 32 additional such students within the first decade of its initiation.
“When students engage with peers from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, they gain new perspective about their own lives,” says President of Scripps College Amy Marcus-Newhall. “Our students come here because this is a place where they can be challenged academically, explore multiple interests, and discover what their own unique vision is for the world.”
In a broader context, the Scripps Access Initiative represents a commitment to breaking cycles of exclusion in higher education. With increased financial aid resources, the initiative addresses barriers that often hinder students from underrepresented backgrounds, opening doors to opportunities that may have otherwise remained elusive.
A portion of the gifts to the access initiative will also be endowed, or invested, to provide revenue for long-term scholarship aid. This way, Scripps can continue to diversify its student body well beyond the initial 10-year grant period without compromising the College’s financial stability.
The ripple effect of the initiative extends to the Scripps community. By fostering a more inclusive environment, SAI cultivates a sense of belonging and interconnectedness that transcends the academic realm, creating a supportive network that echoes Scripps’ commitment to empowering its community members.
“The diversity of human experience not only adds value to the Scripps College experience, but also enriches classroom conversations and the social fabric of our community,” says Associate Vice President of Philanthropy Enrique Gonzalez-Salgado P’27. “As colleges and universities across the nation strive to redefine success beyond traditional measures, initiatives like SAI set a standard for access and equity.”
If you’re interested in supporting the Scripps Access Initiative we invite you to make a gift online at The Scripps Access Initiative or you may contact Enrique Gonzalez-Salgado by phone, at (909) 607-8255 or by email, at egonzalez@scrippscollege.edu.