NEWARK, DE — Sallie Mae, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, has announced the continuation of the Completing the Dream Scholarship program, designed to help students overcome unexpected financial challenges and complete their education. Through The Sallie Mae Fund, the program will award 170 scholarships worth up to $425,000 during this cycle. Applications will remain open until all funds are disbursed or until December 1, 2025.
The scholarships offer up to $2,500 per recipient to eligible students who are on track to finish their programs in the 2025-2026 academic year. Since its inception in 2021, the Completing the Dream program has provided nearly 1,000 scholarships totaling $2.5 million, helping students facing financial roadblocks achieve their educational goals.
“The Completing the Dream Scholarship was a crucial resource that helped me overcome the final financial hurdles on my journey,” said Savanah Johnson, a recent graduate of Bennett College and past scholarship recipient. “With my degree in hand, I am excited to use what I have learned to give back and make a positive impact in the lives of others.”
Research shows that financial challenges are a leading cause of college dropouts, with nearly half of students who leave school citing financial difficulties as a major factor. Programs like Completing the Dream aim to address these critical hurdles.
“For many students, the final stretch of college can be the hardest—not because of academics, but because of finances,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “The Completing the Dream Scholarship provides that last boost of support to help students reach the milestone of graduation. We’re honored to continue this work with The Sallie Mae Fund and invest in the success of the next generation.”
Nic Jafarieh, executive vice president at Sallie Mae, emphasized the need for initiatives like this program. “The great promise of higher education comes from earning a degree, yet nearly four in 10 students don’t complete college within six years. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call,” Jafarieh said. “Programs like our Completing the Dream Scholarship help remove barriers so students stay enrolled, stay focused, and get to graduation.”
Sallie Mae also offers additional scholarships and resources, including Scholly Scholarships, to ensure students can access and sustain their educational journeys. The company remains committed to addressing the financial challenges that stand between students and their degrees.
Don’t wait—take the next step toward achieving your dreams today! Visit SallieMae.com/C_T_D to learn more and apply now!
By easing financial burdens and fostering opportunities, Sallie Mae and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund aim to empower students to achieve their goals and contribute to brighter futures.
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