Laying the groundwork.
When students have a strong foundation of knowledge, tools, mentorship and support, their potential can reach new heights, propelling them — and our community — forward.
We were founded on the promise of accessible education: breaking down barriers and closing equity gaps to ensure that higher education was an option for those who sought it, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Our commitment to that promise still stands — and with your support, we’ll make it stronger than ever.
FAU ranked
No.41for Social Mobility in 2023 U.S. News & World Report
Winner of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
2022Degree Completion Award
Florida Atlantic University’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program recently received a multi-million-dollar donation from an anonymous philanthropist. The generous $6.4 million gift was announced by program co-founder Aubrey Strul during a recent National First-Generation College Student celebration at FAU. The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program offers academically talented, first-generation, low-income high school seniors the opportunity to attend FAU and graduate debt-free. Students receive four-year financial aid packages for tuition, on-campus housing, books, a meal plan and additional resources needed to complete their college degree.
Through the Let’s Have a Smile Scholarship Fund, the anonymous donor recently committed $6.4 million to the Kelly/Strul Program, doubling an initial $5 million investment in 2019 with a $5 million legacy gift for a total of $10 million to this program. The donor also expanded their annual commitment and will now sponsor 22 Kelly/Strul scholars for four years, totaling $1.4 million in additional annual support.
When students have a strong foundation of knowledge, tools, mentorship and support, their potential can reach new heights, propelling them — and our community — forward.
Even small financial setbacks can cause students to fall behind or drop out. We’re alleviating the need to prioritize work over study, so they have the room and the resources to flourish.
With personalized mentoring, counseling and other assistance, we’ll catch students at risk of falling through the gaps.
The skills our students learn prepare them to succeed in the workplace — and the partnerships we’re establishing with local businesses and organizations will make sure their talent stays here, so our region can benefit.