Giving Compass' Take:
- Professor, author, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway donates $12 million to UCLA and UC Berkeley to establish the UC Excelerator program, aimed at providing career-focused education for non-traditional students.
- How can such philanthropic efforts improve education access for underserved communities? What impact can this have on economic mobility and job creation?
- Learn more about key issues in education and how you can help.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits focused on education in your area.
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Education access for underserved communities received a significant boost with a $12 million donation from Scott Galloway, a well-known professor, author, and entrepreneur. This generous gift will be divided equally between UCLA and UC Berkeley, establishing the UC Excelerator program. The initiative aims to provide non-traditional students with the skills and resources necessary to launch successful careers. By offering tuition-free classes, career-focused coursework, networking opportunities, and access to industry leaders, the program seeks to make higher education more accessible and impactful for those who need it most.
Galloway, an alumnus of both universities, understands the transformative power of education access for underserved individuals. He credits UCLA and UC Berkeley for significantly impacting his life and career, and he hopes this donation will extend similar opportunities to others. The UC Excelerator program will primarily target community college graduates and individuals with limited college experience. At UCLA, the focus will be on business and entrepreneurship, while UC Berkeley will concentrate on data analytics, facilities management, and project management.
The importance of education access for underserved communities cannot be overstated. Providing these students with the tools and connections they need to thrive in today’s economy can lead to substantial economic mobility and job creation. Leaders from both universities have expressed profound gratitude for Galloway's gift. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block emphasized that this donation would help widen the doors of opportunity, equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed. Similarly, UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons highlighted the evolving role of the university in serving diverse populations, noting Galloway’s insightful philanthropy.
Education access for underserved populations is a critical issue that demands attention and action. Galloway's significant donation is a powerful example of how philanthropy can create pathways for underrepresented groups to achieve their potential. By investing in programs like the UC Excelerator, donors can help bridge the education gap and foster a more inclusive economy.
This gift not only reflects Galloway’s commitment to improving education access for underserved communities but also underscores the vital role that higher education institutions play in societal advancement. As the UC Excelerator program launches, it promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of many students, aiding them in advancing their careers and making meaningful contributions to the economy.
IEducation access for underserved communities is essential for fostering economic growth and social equity. Scott Galloway’s generous donation to UCLA and UC Berkeley exemplifies how targeted philanthropic efforts can significantly enhance opportunities for non-traditional students, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Read the full article about Education Access for Underserved at UCLA .