Join us today in creating a support network helping first-generation and underrepresented students earn a college degree.
Need
When an emergency strikes, not all students have the resources they need to stay in school. This is particularly true for the growing numbers of first-generation and low-income students enrolled at Washburn University. While other avenues exist for Washburn students to seek financial support, they require an application, operate on a reimbursement basis requiring receipts or are one-time funds.
The Ichabod Opportunity Fund, by contrast, offers students timely, up front and if needed, repeated support without an application process. This fund also awards scholarships to underrepresented students to help them continue their education amid extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Rationale
According to self-reported data, 47% of current Washburn undergraduate students identify as first-generation. These students are educational pioneers – the first members of their family to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree. First-generation students bring an exceptional work ethic, but they often lack the financial resources to stay in school, especially when an emergency arises.
The Ichabod Opportunity Fund helps underrepresented students weather emergencies and stay on track for on-time graduation. Funds are applied directly to a student’s account to help with tuition, books, cost of living or extracurricular learning experiences.
Financial support makes an enormous difference in first-generation student success at Washburn. First-generation students who receive scholarships have higher grade-point averages, retention rates and graduation rates.
A gift to the Ichabod Opportunity Fund is a gift of educational opportunity for all – a historic part of Washburn’s mission. Join the growing network of donors and partners who are working to make Washburn the best university in Kansas for first-generation, underrepresented students.
