Corporations Establish College Scholarship Funds for WTC Students
By Jessica Shi

As the horror and disbelief gradually subsides for those of us who were not directly affected by the tragedy of September 11th, we begin to find ways to cope and deal with the emotional trauma. What about the spouses and the children of those who lost their lives during this surreal calamity? Government agencies are estimating that at least 10 to 12 thousand families have lost parents and spouses because of this tragedy.

Citigroup and the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA) are among several other organizations providing scholarships for the families of the victims. With $15 million provided by Citigroup and more contributions coming from its employees and outside sources, Citigroup is hoping to make the fund available by the spring of 2002. “Although the coordinators of the scholarship fund are still working on collecting more money and determining each family’s grant amount, Citigroup is hoping to be sending out information packages in the coming months to all the families that have been affected,” said Citigroup’s Press Representative Marybeth Corazzini.

The eligible recipients of the scholarship money include all offspring, both in and outside of the US, whose family members were killed or permanently disabled by the attacks. The scholarships will go toward all children who are planning to, or are currently enrolled in any accredited two- or four-year colleges and or universities based on financial need. The education assistance will be renewable for up to three years of undergraduate study, depending on the total funds available.

Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA) has partnered with the Lumina Foundation for Education to create the ‘Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund’.

“United we stand, today, tomorrow, and into the future as we remember the victims of the attack on America. The ‘Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund’ honors their memories by providing educational assistance for their children and spouses,” said CSFA President William C. Nelsen.

Lumina Foundation for Education pledged $3 million, $2 million directly to the fund and $1 million in matching dollar for dollar contributions from individuals. In addition, many companies and individuals have committed to help increase funding, including NEC Foundation of America, which has pledged $300,000. Brocade Communications Systems and ONI Systems of Silicon Valley have contributed $1 million each in stocks. The two companies are also spearheading the ‘Technology Partners for Families of Freedom’ initiative in which they are trying to raise $50 million by getting other technology companies involved.

Former President Bill Clinton has teamed up with former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole to chair a scholarship fund campaign to help CSFA build the ‘Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.’ “The tragedy of September 11th left many young people without parents. Young people who with a helping hand and the chance for a higher education will go on to great things.” said Clinton in one of his statements.

Since its inception about two weeks ago, the ‘Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund’ has received responses from hundreds of organizations including Harvard University and TMP Worldwide. CSFA is hopeful that the scholarships will be available as early as January 2002. The foundation aims to raise over $125 million.

For more information about these scholarship funds or make donations, visit the organizations’ websites at http://relieffund.citigroup.com, www.familiesofffreedom.org, and www.nec.co.jp/english/today/newrel/0109/2102.html.

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