Anonymous donors have committed a $10 million matching gift to inspire others to support the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program, the UW Foundation has announced.

The privately funded Chancellor’s Scholarship Program (CSP) was established in 1984 to increase educational opportunities for academically talented underrepresented ethnic minorities — African, Hispanic, Native and Southeast Asian Americans — and culturally disadvantaged undergraduates. The scholarship covers tuition and fees and an annual book award of $800. Scholars also participate in a variety of co-curricular and service activities.

“On behalf of the entire university community, I want to thank these generous donors for helping ensure that talented individuals from underrepresented groups are able to pursue their education at the UW,” UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in a statement. “This gift is not only an investment in these students, but in the entire campus.”

There are currently 255 CSP recipients enrolled at UW–Madison who represent a wide diversity of majors and areas of interest.

“The Chancellor’s Scholarship program has connected me with tools and people that I need to make my education possible,” says Negassi Tesfamichael, a sophomore studying political science and English within the Letters & Science Honors Program. “Expanding the program will help students of color and the university as a whole by tapping into potential that previously was not tapped into.”

Negassi Tesfamichael
Negassi Tesfamichael

Many of the Chancellor’s Scholars assume leadership roles in student organizations. Tesfamichael manages the newsroom at The Daily Cardinal, gives back to the community with Badger Volunteers and participates in the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honors society.

“It can be a struggle for (underrepresented) students to navigate their way through a university like UW–Madison on their own. But the constant support throughout the four-year Wisconsin Experience really does make a huge difference for students,” Tesfamichael says.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program attracts high school students who consistently graduate in the top 10 percent of their classes. The impressive accomplishments of students in the program are reflected in a graduation rate of 81 percent or higher, which exceeds the overall campus population as a whole. In addition, more than half of the program’s graduates pursue graduate/professional degrees, and a significant number of graduates have already emerged as leaders in business, education, medicine, engineering and other professions.

Gift opportunities include annual funding for scholarships, both for Wisconsin residents and non-residents. Annual gifts of any amount are sought and welcomed.

This matching program applies to new gifts and pledges made after Jan. 1, 2016, on a first-come, first-served basis. All pledges should be paid within five years of the pledge commitment. Funds that are established or enhanced will be named by the initiating donor. So far, $850,000 has been raised to leverage the match.