THE LAST DOLLAR

The Goodwin-Meissner Foundation (GMFF) became CYC's first scholarship partner shortly after our founding in 2018 A perfect match between need and purpose, GMFF annually awards "Last Dollar Scholarships" to CYC Fellows These scholarships bridge the funding gap left after Pell grants, loans, and other merit-based scholarships but can mean much more to a recipient's college experience.

This funding - typically around $3,500 per yearprovides relief from the stress of making ends meet while balancing a full course load and this in turn results in exemplary scholastics. In addition, having this gap covered can often free students up to participate in meaningful organizations on campus and take advantage of internships that most often lead to employment after graduation.

Since 2018, GMFF has awarded twenty-six "Last Dollar" scholarships to CYC Fellows! In 2022, they expanded their support through awarding a $25,000 grant to support our College Fellows Program!

"CYC Fellows are always accomplished, bright, mature, and centered. Academics are clearly a priority for CYC Fellows as well as our other scholarship recipients. However, we find that CYC Fellows stand out in two ways. First, a clarity of purpose in their journey to and through college… we call this the how and why of pursuing higher education. CYC Fellows are refreshingly grounded in what it is they’d like to achieve and how they plan to better their communities as a result. Second, CYC Fellows demonstrate the poise we’d expect from young professionals. They are confident, well spoken and clearly versed in the basics of professional conduct." - Laura Meissner, President, GMFF