Thomas Edison State University (TESU) said Sept. 16 it has received $15,000 in new funding from the Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust to support its Finish Line Scholarship program, which provides assistance to students who are nearing completion of their degrees.
In further support of TESU students’ journeys toward earning college credentials, the university has identified degree completion as a major strategic focus. TESU’s Finish Line Scholarships pilot program was launched to provide inactive students — many of whom have earned the majority of credits needed to graduate — with a “completion incentive.”
By removing the final financial barriers, the program helps students who are just one to three courses away from graduating achieve their degrees, while also allowing the university to determine how best to re-engage learners who have halted their studies.
To date, the university has disbursed $60,000 in Finish Line Scholarships to support 52 students. Of these recipients, 38 have graduated and 14 remain enrolled and working toward their degrees.
“Degree completion is one of the most powerful ways we can empower adult learners, and it is a top strategic priority for TESU,” said Merodie A. Hancock, president of TESU. “We are deeply grateful to the Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust and all of our Finish Line Scholarship donors for helping us provide these completion incentives. Their support not only changes the lives of students and families but also strengthens our communities and workforce.”
Provost Cynthia Baum highlighted the transformative impact for TESU’s students.
“Our learners are often balancing jobs, families and community responsibilities while pursuing their education. For some, the cost of just a few final credits can be the barrier that prevents them from earning a degree,” she said. “The Finish Line Scholarships offer the last push they need to complete their studies, opening doors to new professional opportunities and personal growth.”
The new funding builds on previous philanthropic support for Finish Line Scholarships from: The Robert Sydney Needham Foundation; Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust; Estate of Beverley Evans; and TESU Foundation.
TESU aims to expand this initiative and empower up to 100 adult learners whose degrees are within reach but remain unfinished due to financial constraints.
