Thompson Working Family Scholarships Transform Education Access

News Summary

Philanthropists Bob and Ellen Thompson are revolutionizing higher education access in Michigan through the establishment of the Thompson Working Family Scholarships. With millions committed to supporting students from working families, over 6,000 have already benefited, and projections suggest that number will rise to 15,000 by 2033. The scholarship initiative requires recipients to maintain a GPA of 2.75 and complete community service hours. The couple’s philanthropic vision also includes technology upgrades for rural schools and the establishment of a charter school system, aiming to impact over 21,000 students by 2033.

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Philanthropists Bob and Ellen Thompson are making headlines for their significant contributions to higher education access through the establishment of the Thompson Working Family Scholarships. The couple has allocated millions to support students from working families who may not qualify for federal grants, aiming to revolutionize educational opportunities across the state.

Since their inception, the scholarships have already benefited over 6,000 students, with projections indicating that they will assist as many as 15,000 students by 2033. Scholarships are available at Grand Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan Technological University, and Bowling Green State University. In addition to covering tuition costs, recipients are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and complete 20 hours of community service annually, aligning with the couple’s philosophy of accountability and community engagement.

The Thompsons’ commitment to education is deeply rooted in their personal history and combined 70-year marriage. Bob Thompson gained significant wealth after selling the Thompson McCully Co., Michigan’s largest asphalt paving company, in 1999 for an impressive $422 million. Following this sale, he notably distributed $128 million to his employees, resulting in 80 millionaires among his workforce. In the same year, the couple established the Thompson Foundation to further allocate their charitable contributions, particularly focusing on educational initiatives.

Ellen Thompson played a pivotal role in initiating the Working Family Scholarships, drawing on her own experience in education. She earned a teaching degree at Bowling Green State University and previously taught elementary school. In 1959, she contributed $3,500 from her retirement fund to help launch Bob’s asphalt company, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to both education and entrepreneurship.

The Thompsons have made additional contributions to their scholarship fund totaling $52 million, reflecting their ongoing dedication to enhancing educational outcomes. The couple aims for 80% of scholarship recipients to graduate within four years, showcasing their ambition for long-term educational success among the students they support.

Beyond higher education, the Thompsons have invested in technology upgrades for rural Michigan school districts and played a key role in the establishment of the University Prep charter school system in Detroit. Their philanthropic reach underscores a vision of accountability and effectiveness in education, striving to improve accessibility and quality for future generations of students.

Looking ahead, the couple’s philanthropic efforts are projected to impact over 21,000 students in K-12 and higher education by 2033, with total contributions expected to exceed $425 million. Students who benefit from the Thompson Working Family Scholarships express immense gratitude for the financial relief the funding provides, allowing them to pursue their academic dreams with minimal debt.

Emphasizing the transformative power of education, the Thompsons have positioned themselves as vital players in the effort to elevate educational access and success for working families throughout Michigan. Their model of philanthropy, marked by strategic partnerships and a focus on both accountability and community service, sets a precedent for others seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

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Additional Resources

• Detroit News: Changing Lives Through Education
• Business Wire: Philanthropic Michigan Couple
• DBusiness: Michigan Couple Donates $52M
• Wikipedia: Philanthropy
• Google Search: Education Scholarship Programs Michigan