On Nov. 19, 2020, The Wellesley Fund team launched a multi-channel Day of Giving, with a goal of securing 418 donors, representing the 418 currently enrolled Wellesley students who identify as first in their families to attend college, also referred to as “first-generation.” This campaign solicited immediate impact gifts to The Wellesley Fund, while highlighting Wellesley First programs that support first-generation students. Because The Wellesley Fund touches every aspect of the college, we are able to showcase various initiatives and programs on campus.
Wellesley alumnae from the classes of 2002-2017 were surveyed as part of a market research study with four other liberal arts colleges. The data indicated that 44% of respondents would financially support first-generation programming at their alma mater. Having just been developed in the last 5-10 years, this was a good opportunity to educate our alumnae community on the vibrant and critical support Wellesley is facilitating for its first-generation students.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to question whether they should pursue higher education at this time. For first-generation students, who are already less likely than their peers to persist through and graduate from college, the pandemic is yet another barrier to entry. At Wellesley, we firmly believe that first-generation students become our next-generation leaders, and are committed to supporting today’s students as they confront new challenges.
From the Judges
Great engagement of alumni via survey. Great job listening to donors and presenting a donor-centric case for support. Aligns well with school's mission.
