After graduation, Spelman College computer science major Mikaela Page, C’2027, plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity and take part in regulating artificial intelligence. She’ll be able to do this thanks in part to BNY’s contribution to the President’s Safety Net Scholarship, which she said allows her to be a better student.
“This scholarship has alleviated a financial burden for me. It eased my worries about tuition, allowing me to focus fully on my studies,” said Page. “With that stress lifted, I’ve been able to engage more deeply in my classes and connect with my professors and peers, making my college experience much more rewarding.”
The President’s Safety Net Scholarship is an initiative launched in 2008 by President Emerita Dr. Beverly D. Tatum to provide critical financial assistance to high-achieving upperclassmen across academic disciplines. BNY has been one of the biggest supporters of the President’s Safety Fund, contributing $1.5 million to date. Over the last three years, this generous support has enabled Spelman to award $850,000 in financial aid to 189 students, typically addressing unmet needs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per student.
“This scholarship has contributed to my academic pursuits by freeing me to use money earned from campus jobs to buy art materials to contribute to my studies,” said Gabrielle Burnett, C’2026, an art major and history minor. “Without having the freedom to purchase these materials, I would have been limited in my creativity and unable to create artworks that would push me from junior-level art processes and practices to the senior-level class of Portfolio Criticism.” After graduation, the Texas native plans to apply for further education and use her talents to work for animation studios, art studios and museums.
The Spelman College and BNY partnership dates back to 1996 when BNY supported the capital campaign for the Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center. In 2007, BNY (formerly known as BNY Mellon) established a $1 million endowment at the College, which continues to fund academics and scholarships today. Since then, BNY has demonstrated unwavering support for Spelman through a series of charitable contributions that has supported the College's capacity to deliver a world-class education and create opportunities for our students.
“This long-standing partnership exemplifies BNY’s commitment to Spelman College's mission, its students, and its impact on higher education. The consistent and targeted nature of BNY's support has played a pivotal role in Spelman's ability to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders,” said Spelman’s Foundation Relations Director Susan Beckett-Mitchell.