Sallie Mae Awards $500,000 in Scholarships to Help Students Access and Complete College

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NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 6, 2025--

In celebration of National Scholarship Month, Sallie Mae today announced the newest recipients of its Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program. This year, 40 high school students from across the country, who excelled both inside and outside the classroom—and demonstrated financial need—were awarded a $10,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarship from The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In addition, 10 graduate students who are making a meaningful impact in their communities were awarded a $10,000 scholarship.

Since 2021, The Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships to more than 1,100 students nationwide through its Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program and Completing the Dream Scholarship Program.

“The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program reflects our continued commitment to expanding access, affordability, and promoting college completion,” said Nic Jafarieh, executive vice president, Sallie Mae. “By removing financial barriers, we’re helping students unlock their potential, complete their degrees, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

“Our ongoing partnership with The Sallie Mae Fund continues to expand opportunities for deserving students nationwide,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “Together, we’re providing the support and resources that help students turn ambition into achievement.”

This year’s recipients are:

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors

• Aiyana Warren, University of Missouri Columbia
• Anayla Williams, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Arreona Mack, Delaware State University
• Brandon Marshall, Florida A&M University
• Braylen Mullins, Howard University
• Brooklin Watkins, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Carmen Fleming, North Carolina A&T State University
• Carter Jones, Hampton University
• Christinasimone Coker, Spelman College
• Cooper Puckett, New York University
• Corinne Fleming, North Carolina A&T State University
• Courtne Haughton, Clark Atlanta University
• Damonii Stacker, Southern University and A&M College
• Dylan Gillett, North Carolina A&T State University
• Favour Ejoh, Bowie State University
• Gavin Gardner, Norwich University
• Hannah Adams, Winston-Salem State University
• Jarrious Moore, Tuskegee University
• Jayshawn Edwards, North Carolina A&T State University
• Jeremiah Douglas, Morehouse College
• Jolea Harris, Philander Smith College
• Jordan Fleming, University North Carolina Chapel Hill
• Jordan Stewart, East Carolina University
• Justin House, Prairie View A&M University
• Kashyra Gore, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Kiran Patterson-Tanski, Howard University
• Kiyla Henderson, Kennesaw State University
• Madison Haney, Delaware State University
• Mya Carter, Hampton University
• Nihlah Allen-Edens, Clark Atlanta University
• Quincy Haywood II, Benedict College
• Raegan Ramsey, Morehead State University
• Ramonta Westbrook, North Carolina Central University
• Samira Maria, Cornell University
• Terra Reynolds, Langston University
• Torrance Portley, Depaul University
• Trent Walker, University of Arkansas Fayetteville
• Tyren Harris, University of Kentucky Lexington
• Victoria Wimberly, Hampton University
• Zarah Bethea, Spelman College

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students

• Arrie Simpson, Hampton University
• Christopher Soeder, Mississippi Valley State University
• Dejuan Alford, Howard University
• Deon Plummer, Lincoln University
• Jaden Scott, Morgan State University
• Jay'lin Hastings, North Carolina A&T State University
• Kendrick Claxton, Arkansas State University - Beebe
• Phoenix Smith, Pratt Institute
• Sentell McCoy, Boston University
• Shimika Felder, Clark Atlanta University

“Receiving the Bridging the Dream Scholarship has been life-changing,” said Bridging the Dream Scholarship recipient Kendrick Claxton. “This support is helping me access the resources I need to succeed and focus more on my studies instead of financial stress. It’s not just a scholarship—it’s a bridge to opportunities I might not have had otherwise.”

In addition to the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program, Sallie Mae offers free tools and resources to help families plan and pay for higher education including Scholly Scholarships, the monthly $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie, Scout College Search, and a step-by-step FAFSA guide.

For more information on the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program, visit www.salliemae.com

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen. Learn more at SallieMae.com. Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Category: Community and Philanthropy

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CONTACT: Caron Jackson

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KEYWORD: DELAWARE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PHILANTHROPY OTHER EDUCATION CONTINUING UNIVERSITY OTHER PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SOURCE: Sallie Mae

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PUB: 11/06/2025 01:11 PM/DISC: 11/06/2025 01:11 PM

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