The Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship at Virginia Tech is providing much-needed financial support to students, making their education more affordable and reducing the burden on their families.

Virginia Tech Employees’ Generosity Supports Student Scholarships

Virginia Tech employees and donors have come together to fund scholarships for nine deserving students for the 2023-24 academic year. Each student received $1,500, helping to alleviate the financial strain of their Virginia Tech education. The generosity of the employees and donors has made a significant impact on these students’ lives.

Annual Scholarship Reception Recognizes Students and Donors

To show their appreciation, an annual scholarship reception is held every fall semester to honor the awarded students, their families, and the donors. This year’s reception took place in August, providing an opportunity for the students and their families to meet each other and express their gratitude to the scholarship committee and donors. It was a heartwarming event that highlighted the importance of these scholarships in supporting the students’ educational journey.

Landon Shepherd: A Scholarship Recipient’s Perspective

Landon Shepherd, a major in general engineering, expressed his gratitude for receiving the scholarship. He mentioned that his family will have two siblings entering college next year, and this scholarship has helped alleviate the financial burden. Landon’s words reflect the immense impact of the scholarship on students and their families, providing them with the means to pursue higher education.

A Long-standing Tradition of Support

The Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship was established in 2000 and has since assisted over 250 incoming students. The number of recipients and the scholarship amount vary each year based on the available funds. This year, 21 students applied for the scholarship, and thanks to the generous gifts, the committee was able to increase the number of recipients and the scholarship amount.

Pascha Gerni, the managing director of business and administration for the Office of the President and chair of the employees’ spouse and dependent scholarship committee, shared their plans for the future. As the scholarship program approaches its 25th year, the goal is to raise more funding to increase the award value and impact, as well as expand the number of awards. This commitment reflects the university’s dedication to supporting its employees and their families.

Everyone Can Contribute

While the scholarship gifts are primarily funded by Virginia Tech employees, anyone is welcome to contribute. The Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship webpage provides information on how to apply for assistance or give to the fund through payroll deduction. This inclusive approach allows for a collective effort in supporting deserving students and ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

Virginia Tech Advantage: Removing Barriers for In-state Students

The Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship is just one of the ways Virginia Tech supports its employees and their families. Another initiative, Virginia Tech Advantage, is a universitywide commitment to remove barriers and provide additional support, including scholarships, to in-state students with financial need. These efforts demonstrate the university’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

In conclusion, the Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship at Virginia Tech is making a significant difference in the lives of students and their families. Through the generosity of employees and donors, these scholarships are helping to alleviate the financial burden of education and making Virginia Tech more accessible. The university’s commitment to supporting its employees and their families extends beyond scholarships, with initiatives like Virginia Tech Advantage, further removing barriers and offering additional assistance. By coming together, the Virginia Tech community is creating a brighter future for its students and fostering a culture of support and inclusivity.