The Daily Bulletin Archive

The Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund was initially created to answer an urgent need. That urgency has resurfaced. With a sudden SUNY tuition increase enacted a few weeks ago, students will be paying more next semester to attend college. Some students are close to graduating, but are already on very tight budgets and may not be able to afford to complete their studies. That’s where Bridge the Gap comes in.

Faculty, staff, emeriti, alumni, and friends of the college are encouraged to donate to the fund. According to Kent McGowan, director of financial aid, time is of the essence.

“The sooner there is more money available, the sooner we can let students know there is help,” he said. “It could be the difference between students being able to finish their education or dropping out.”

The Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund began in May 1995 in response to tuition increases. Since that time, the non-endowed fund has provided more than $162,000 to needy juniors and seniors, and has been especially beneficial for students in times of unforeseen tuition increases.

Donations for Bridge the Gap typically come from faculty and staff during the annual Faculty and Staff Appeal in the spring but are accepted year-round. Donations can be made online, through payroll deduction, or by check or credit card. All contributions made on or before December 31 will be tax deductible for 2008 returns.

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible for a Bridge the Gap scholarship. For more information or to give, please contact Claire Collier, development associate for Institutional Advancement, at 878-5206 or Pat Ghee, scholarship coordinator for the Financial Aid Office, at 878-4019.