Historic BGSU scholarship program covers nearly all tuition for 200 high-achieving students

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4. Historic BGSU scholarship program covers nearly all tuition for 200 high-achieving students

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - For the second time since the historic expansion of the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, 200 high-achieving Bowling Green State University students received scholarships that cover nearly all of their remaining tuition.

The students, who will begin their second year at BGSU in the fall, were awarded a combined $6.6 million in scholarships over the next three years, significantly reducing their financial burden and creating a clear pathway to completing their education.

BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers shared the news during a special event on March 20 in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

The group represents the second cohort of Thompson Achiever Scholars since alumni Robert '55, '06 (Hon.) and Ellen '54, '06 (Hon.) Thompson announced their intent in 2024 to give $121 million in scholarships to BGSU. The historic gift expanded the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program - originally established in 2014 - creating one of the largest non-endowed scholarship programs of its kind in the nation.

"Bob and Ellen Thompson continue to generously support thousands of students at Bowling Green with this generationally defining scholarship program, and we are incredibly grateful for the Thompsons' belief in the power of higher education and our students," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "These students - now Thompson Achiever Scholars - have worked hard to achieve academic success during their first year at Bowling Green. We are so pleased to award these life-changing scholarships through our philanthropic partnership with the Thompson Foundation in preparing students for great careers and great lives."

Broadening access to higher education
The Thompson Achievers scholarship, renewable for three years, is awarded to undergraduates from working families who demonstrate high academic success during their first year at BGSU and financial need. This year's group includes students from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

Students receive $11,000 each academic year, which amounts to about 75% of tuition and ensures they still have a financial investment in earning their degree, a key component of the scholarship. The recipients applied for the scholarship earlier this academic year.

"The Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program continues to transform access to higher education for BGSU students," said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management at BGSU. "The success of Thompson Scholars reflects the impact of the Thompsons' investment and the opportunities it creates for students, their families and the communities they will serve. We are grateful for their continued generosity, which has allowed thousands of BGSU students to pursue their academic goals."

While financial support is a significant component, the program's robust support system is paramount to student success. Every Thompson Scholar receives personalized guidance and encouragement throughout their academic journey, including regular check-ins with advisors on progress and potential challenges.

The graduation rate among Thompson Scholars has averaged 86% during the past decade, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in helping students reach their educational goals and graduate with minimal debt.

More than a decade of supporting student success
The innovative public-private partnership behind the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program first launched in 2014 with a small group of students and has since broadened access to higher education for thousands of BGSU students.

Based on the scholarship's success, the Thompsons announced the expansion of their scholarship program through 2035.

When matched with University and other donor contributions, the philanthropic impact will amount to nearly $250 million, supporting more than 6,200 BGSU students through the next decade.

The Thompsons' contribution in 2024 was the largest in BGSU history and the largest single gift designated to student scholarships ever in the state of Ohio.