“Poor Bright Young Scholars,” the Low-Income First-Generation Students of the Past

“Poor Bright Young Scholars,” the Low-Income First-Generation Students of the Past

The idea of higher education as an exclusive bastion of privilege is as old as education itself. Though most students who received any education throughout history were noble or wealthy, there always seemed to be spaces open to poor bright

Real and perceived social mobility

Real and perceived social mobility

Social inequality is the root of our discontent – Chris Hedges How likely is someone to move up the economic ladder? A study by Alberto Alesina, Stefanie Stantcheva and Edoardo Teso of Harvard University compares the perceptions and realities of

First-generation college students among those affected by food insecurity

First-generation college students among those affected by food insecurity

Education is the key that often opens the door to a better life for first-generation low-income college students. The United States claims to have the best higher education system in the world. But too many students are struggling not only

Knowledge Without Borders Study Abroad Scholarships

Knowledge Without Borders Study Abroad Scholarships

Knowledge Without Borders™ recently selected first-generation college students participating in the Minnesota SPAN (Student Project for Amity among Nations) Association as recepients of the Knowledge Without Borders™ Study Abroad Scholarship. SPAN is a study abroad association that has been sending

Changing the narrative through empathy

Changing the narrative through empathy

Empathy can change an older cancer patient’s perspective on death and dying. In fact, it can change the narrative of a patient’s life, leaving a legacy of purpose and meaning. A couple of days ago I met with geriatric clinicians

First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship

First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship

The opportunity to study abroad is no longer a luxury in the 21st century. Learning about the world first hand is a crucial component for success in our globalized world. Research shows that first generation college students in particular benefit

Reimagining 21st Century Philanthropy

Reimagining 21st Century Philanthropy

Here’s a mantra for reimagining 21st century philanthropy: we can’t solve today’s problems with yesterday’s logic.  Although the basis of 20th century American philanthropy was citizen altruism, a combination of top down management and exclusive grant making made possible its achievements.

Kilroy was here

Kilroy was here

Soldiers, sailors and members of the air corps often used the catchphrase, “Kilroy was here,” accompanied by a doodle to commemorate a place they visited or a battle fought during World War II.  This reminder of wartime exploits became a

Speaking Up for Women and Girls

Speaking Up for Women and Girls

Interest in women and girls and tangible actions to improve their lives continue to gain momentum. More and more people are speaking up for women and girls — and pursuing innovative ideas to enhance their economic security, education, health and

Focus on Women and Girls

Focus on Women and Girls

The focus on women and girls is accelerating with increased awareness of barriers to be broken and new calls for action. Addressing 21st century challenges facing women and girls is central to the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly,