Each student comes to AU with a dream, a goal, maybe even a plan—to seek new experiences, reach graduation, and go on to live a life of purpose. An important premise of their dream is the ability to fund their education. But unexpected financial stressors such as parental job loss, illness, or death, or other financial developments can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans. Each year, as many as 500 undergraduate students seek additional financial resources from the university after experiencing a change in their financial circumstances.

AU’s Elevate Scholarship Initiative is a philanthropic effort to raise $25 million to support undergraduate students enrolled at AU. The university is matching this investment, doubling donors’ impact. The initiative will ensure more students can continue their AU experience, reach their full potential, and share their contributions as changemakers with the world.

Join us. Because we know—Change Can’t Wait.

More than 1900

donors have contributed to the Elevate Scholarship Initiative

As of 3/31/24

An anonymous alum gave $2M

in unrestricted scholarship support to launch the initiative

We’ve raised almost $15M

towards this initiative so far

As of 3/31/24

Our Community’s Commitment to AU Changemakers

AU students are bold learners who transform ideas into meaningful actions—changemakers who will make a difference in the world. The AU community knows that an Eagle’s path may change for many reasons—but unexpected financial changes shouldn’t block someone from a full AU experience.

Ways You Can Join Us

Pursuing Pathways to Purpose

The Elevate Scholarship Initiative—a vital component of the Change Can’t Wait Campaign—helps students remain at AU, alleviates financial stress, and supports their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. As a result, students can thrive on campus and beyond. They can pursue research and career development activities, study abroad, and sought-after internships that are frequently unpaid.

Read stories of scholarship impact at AU.

A Return to AU Marks New Beginning

Terwase Tor-Agbidye, SIS/BA ’23

Change Can’t Wait is not just a slogan—it’s a format that is being followed.

A lot can change over nine years. But for Terwase Tor-Agbidye, SIS/BA ’23, the desire to complete her degree from American University remained constant. Energized by a scholarship and a vision for a more equitable world, she is back on campus to fulfill her dream.

“Change Can’t Wait is not just a slogan—it’s a format that is being followed.”

SOC is Exactly Where I Need to Be

Lucas Torregrossa, SOC/BA ’25

I can't imagine going to college anywhere else...the scholarship let me stay.

When the time came to think about his college major, Lucas Torregrossa, SOC/BA ’25, took stock. Led to study public relations, he wanted a place where learning was channeled through real-world experiences. AU’s School of Communication (SOC) was that place.
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“I can't imagine going to college anywhere else...the scholarship let me stay.”

Lily Larsen, SPA/BA ’23

A changemaker since childhood, Lily Larsen, SPA/BA ’23, embraces the power of conversation to bring people together.
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Jadyn Newman, SOC-SPA/BA ’23

Jadyn Newman, SOC-SPA/BA ’23, channels her passions for research and storytelling through filmmaking at AU and beyond.
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Francesca Gill, SIS/BA '24

Francesca Gill, SIS/BA ’24, a junior at American University’s School of International Service, finds value in each word of her school’s name. She views public service as uniquely vocational.
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Meaghan Reilly SIS-SPA/BA ’21; SPA/MS ’24

“Opportunity” is a word Meaghan Reilly, SIS-SPA/BA ’21, SPA/MS ’24, often returns to when reflecting on the impact of scholarships. A graduate student in the School of Public Affairs’ (SPA) Justice, Law, and Criminology program, Reilly is a recipient of the Daniel Greeley Memorial Scholarship Fund, part of American University’s new Elevate Scholarship Initiative.
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Hannah VanWagner, CAS/BA ’23

The Stewart/Sawyer Family Endowed Scholarship Fund is part of AU’s Elevate Scholarship Initiative.

Hearts, roses, and . . . the circular economy? At first, food sustainability might not seem to have a natural connection to Valentine’s Day. But for Hannah VanWagner, CAS ’23, the February holiday offered a creative chance to promote waste awareness.
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Ishita Jamar, SOC/BA ’23

Ishita Jamar is advancing her studies and laying the groundwork for her future through experiences beyond the classroom. She led a commission on sexual assault prevention culminating in a report with recommendations to improve campus culture and cofounded a grassroots organization that raises awareness around racial biases and privilege in her native New Jersey.
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Kyli McKee, CAS/BS ’20

Kyli received the Gloria A. Likins Scholarship that supports her cancer research project in professor John Bracht’s laboratory.

While I was growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. My parents were surprised by my unwavering love for the sciences, since no one in my family was strong in this area of study. Despite my lack of exposure, my passion continued to grow.
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Elevate Scholarship Initiative

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