BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greenhouse Scholars, an education nonprofit that empowers under-resourced college students with professional, personal and financial support to ensure they not only graduate, but are prepared to serve as leaders, role models and change agents for generations to come, is pleased to announce the largest donation in the organization’s 11-year history. Foundation for Global Scholars, a nonprofit that inspires and equips young adults to tackle global challenges through international experience, leadership skills and cultural competence, has pledged to give $300,000 over the next three years to Greenhouse Scholars. These funds will be used to support education initiatives and impact projects on an international scale. Along with this donation, Foundation for Global Scholars Co-Founders Sheila Houston and Cynthia Banks will be personally involved with the organization as volunteers, and Banks has joined the Greenhouse Scholars Colorado Development and Advisory Board.
Greenhouse Scholars is dedicated to cultivating young leaders who will change low-income families and communities in the U.S. and around the world. This is done through implementation of the organization’s “Whole Person” approach, which provides mentorship, skills training modules, strategic impact initiatives, peer support, internships, professional networking, an annual leadership conference and financial support.
Not only has the program’s framework led to a 93 percent college graduation rate compared to the national average of 11 percent for low-income students, but the Impact component also helps Greenhouse Scholars make significant contributions to the global community. As just a few examples, the organization has funded and supported Scholars in creating clean water projects in Ghana, building homes for impoverished families in Mexico, Belize, and Kenya, providing healthcare to marginalized populations in Ethiopia and India, starting the nation’s first student-run food pantry for needy college students in Illinois, beginning an inner city exercise program in Massachusetts and bringing awareness to the refugee crisis in the Middle East.
The donation from Foundation for Global Scholars will continue to fund projects such as these while also giving more low-income students the opportunity to study abroad to expand their international perspective and better understand how they can make a positive impact in the world.
“We are extremely grateful for this gift and are excited for the many opportunities that will be made possible due to Sheila’s and Cynthia’s generosity,” said Pete Burridge, President and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars. “We look forward to collaborating with Sheila and Cynthia and the exceptional young leaders in our program to identify high-impact projects and initiatives that will drive positive change in low-income communities throughout the world.”
Adds Banks: “We are extremely impressed with the Greenhouse Scholars mission and with their capability to enact real change among young adults through education and community service. We have met their scholars and clearly see the impact of their programs and services. The Foundation for Global Scholars is honored to support this organization.”
About Greenhouse Scholars
Greenhouse Scholars, an education nonprofit organization founded in 2005, serves under-resourced college students who are exceptionally high performing. Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, service to community, demonstrated leadership skills, and financial need. Through its "Whole Person" approach of intellectual, academic, professional and financial support, Greenhouse Scholars cultivates leaders to change low-income families and communities. To date, Greenhouse Scholars has served more than 200 students from Colorado, Illinois, and Georgia.
