New York Life Foundation Donates $1M for STEM-Focused Scholars

Hampton University announced that the New York Life Foundation, the charitable arm of New York Life, has contributed $1 million to the institution for the establishment of six separate funds, with the focus of helping diverse STEM-focused scholars succeed and grow in their academic careers. Award disbursals will begin in spring 2022 for the fall academic school year. 

In addition to academic scholarships, the New York Life Foundation grant covers gap funding for seniors, bereavement support for students losing parents/guardians, career placement support, and alumni support.

“We are grateful for the New York Life Foundation’s commitment to Hampton University and its students…By investing so broadly in Hampton, the New York Life Foundation is setting itself apart as a supporter of diverse students and creating opportunities for the growth and development of a diverse new generation of scholars.”

Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President

“This investment in Hampton University illuminates a clear commitment that we both share in helping students to overcome obstacles that may prevent them from pursuing academic achievement in general and especially with a STEM-focused career track. Our intention with this funding is to create brighter futures for these students and for generations to come…This is a partnership that aligns with our philanthropic and social justice goals and we look forward to working with the Hampton faculty, students, and alumni over the next two years.” 

Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation

The funds created through this gift include: 

• Student Bereavement Fund: This fund provides financial support for students who have lost loved ones and provides funding for the varied needs that may present themselves in such situations.
• Alumni Engagement Fund: This New York Life Foundation fund supports partner programming executed throughout the country at National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. hubs. 
• Career Services Engagement Fund: This fund supports the arrangement of specialized and targeted student engagement programs and activities, including info-sessions, career fair engagement, and resume-building workshops.
• Senior Gap Funding Scholarships: This fund is specifically for graduating seniors studying in STEM areas who have gaps in their accounts that prevent them from graduating. The New York Life Foundation does not want “money” to be the reason a student does not graduate.
• Sixteen-$20,000 Scholarships: This fund supports academic scholarships for sixteen (16) students who, once selected, each will receive a “renewable” $20,000 award for two years at Hampton. 
• “Full-Ride” Academic Scholarships with Internships: This fund supports two (2) students studying in STEM-related areas. Each will receive a $40,000 scholarship to Hampton. Selected students also will be recommended as interns in New York Life’s coveted summer internship program.

“We are thrilled with the New York Life Foundation’s generosity and support of Hampton…We know that they are specifically interested in computer engineering, computer science, and actuarial science majors, but they have broadened their lens to recognize that Hampton has a unique talent pool of excellent student scholars from across the campus. We believe this will indeed be a lasting partnership.”

Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology

There are criteria for the academic scholarships available for students competing for the awards. Student applicants must:  

• Attend Hampton full time
• Have a minimum 2.75 GPA to be considered
• Major in a science, technology, math, or other STEM-related academic areas
• Demonstrate a financial need, as determined by the Hampton University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will oversee the selection of scholars based on the criteria identified, in coordination with the School of Engineering and Technology, the Office of Admissions, and other campus partners.

For additional information on submitting an application for the New York Life Foundation fund or if you have questions, contact Dr. Demetris Geddis at demetris.geddis@hamptonu.edu in the School of Engineering and Technology, or contact the Office of Admissions at (757)728-5358. 

About Hampton University

For more than 150 years, Hampton University has been THE Standard of Excellence in higher education. Founded in 1868 by Brig. Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong, Hampton University has a long successful history of offering a strong academic program of educating the “head, heart and hand,” and emphasizing the development of character.  This foundation has been built upon by Dr. William R. Harvey, who has served as Hampton’s president for 44 years, during which time the university has experienced accelerated growth and achieved notable accomplishments. During Harvey’s presidency, 92 new programs have been introduced, 30 new structures dot the landscape of the campus surrounded three sides by water, and the university’s endowment has grown from $29 million to $400 million and growing.

Source: Hampton University Newsdesk