The School of General Studies (GS) was founded in 1947 based on the simple idea that talented students should have access to a world-class education regardless of when they decide to attend college. Through this unique mission, the undergraduate classroom at Columbia became unlike any other in the Ivy League, and GS itself advanced to the forefront of innovation, responding to societal change and pioneering educational modalities that influence higher education nationally and around the world.
As it was 75 years ago, the world today is in need of continued excellence and innovation in the face of contemporary challenges. Under President Lee C. Bollinger’s leadership, and for the first time in the history of Columbia, the University has launched a fundraising initiative singularly focused on improving financial aid for all students. As the only undergraduate college for nontraditional students in the Ivy League, GS is in a unique position to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity and renew its commitment to attracting, educating, and supporting the best and brightest nontraditional students. Our goal is to raise $60 million—almost doubling our current endowment—over the next four years.
Top Priorities
With these additional funds, we will address many of the challenges that our community faces including the increasing competition from peer institutions to attract nontraditional students, the financial barriers and significant loan debt many of our students assume, and expanding and innovating programming in response to societal change.
Who It's For
Scholarship support through endowment and current-use gifts can bring the dream of earning a degree at GS within reach for many of our students. Below are just a few students and alumni who have received financial support during their time with us.
Larry Lawrence ‘69GS, ‘71BUS has given the Student Support Initiative an incredible start with his deep generosity. Larry has agreed to lead our efforts as the alumni chair of this initiative, continuing a legacy of support for GS that goes back 35 years. With his partnership, and with the unwavering commitment of our alumni and friends, this initiative will open doors and transform lives for our GS students. Through the Larry J. Lawrence Match Fund, Larry has made a commitment of $5M to match scholarship gifts to the School. Endowed gifts between $250,000 and $500,000 paid over four years qualify to be matched dollar-for-dollar with Larry’s gift. The power of the match turning $5M into $10M to reach $60M.
$30 million in new funds will allow Columbia GS to create endowed and current-use scholarships that serve to support the full array of exceptional nontraditional students who seek out GS as the launching pad for their future endeavors. This commitment will ensure our ability to continue providing the preeminent nontraditional undergraduate educational experience, and in turn, will extend and enhance our position nationally and around the world.
Check back soon to learn more about the support we're proving to our students.
$20 million in new endowment and current-use funds will be used to expand educational access and opportunities that Columbia GS provides to its unique student body—many of whom seek out GS after experiencing difficult circumstances that may have prevented them from excelling academically in the past.
Check back soon to learn more about how we're expanding access and equity to higher education.
With $10 million in initial funding, Columbia GS can continue its tradition of innovation by building new programs and creating new educational pathways designed for nontraditional students. GS has always met this challenge and responded with innovative programs that expand opportunity, create access, and push the boundaries of how we think about elite education.
Check back soon to learn about the strides we are making in creating innovative programing.
Your Impact
Contributions to the GS endowment can have an immediate impact on the lives and success of GS students. Learn more about our giving opportunities below.
