Residents, businesses, and community organizations invited to help expand educational opportunities for Salem students
SALEM, MA – The City of Salem Scholarship & Education Committee is calling on residents, businesses, organizations, visitors, and alumni to participate in a new community giving initiative, “400 for the 400+”, in honor of Salem’s 400+ anniversary.
The campaign challenges 400 individuals, families, businesses, and organizations from the Salem community to make a scholarship donation of any amount to help support Salem students pursuing higher education, vocational training, and other educational opportunities after graduation. To mark the moment, community members are especially encouraged to donate an amount that reflects their high school graduation year, whether that graduation took place at a high school in Salem or elsewhere! For example, someone who graduated in 1996, might donate $19.96, and someone who graduated in 2012 might donate $20.12. (Those who choose to donate another amount should indicate their graduation year in the memo line.) The giving campaign will run into the spring and/or until at least 400 donations have been collected. Once 400 donations have been reached, the high school graduation class year that has made the highest number of individual donations during that window will be honored at the City of Salem annual scholarship awards ceremony. All Salem residents who graduated during the winning high school graduation class year – from any high school, in Salem and beyond – will be invited to join the celebration.
For decades, the Salem Scholarship & Education Committee has worked to help local students achieve their educational goals by providing scholarships made possible through the generosity of the Salem community. As Salem celebrates more than 400 years of history, the Committee hopes to build on that legacy by growing the number of contributors supporting the next generation.
“Salem’s story has always been shaped by people who invested in the future of our community,” said Yamilis Cruz, Chair of the Salem Scholarship & Education Committee. “As we celebrate our 400+ anniversary, we’re asking 400 donors to help us honor that tradition by investing in Salem students. Every contribution, from $5 to $400+, helps create opportunities and opens doors for young people as they pursue their dreams. We especially look forward to celebrating with the high school graduating class that wins this friendly competition with the most community spirit!”
The 400 for the 400+ scholarship giving campaign focuses on increasing participation and broadening community support for local scholarships. Donations of any amount are welcome, and donors may choose to contribute as individuals, families, businesses, neighborhood groups, alumni, or civic organizations.
The Committee encourages community members to consider making a gift in honor of their own past while helping to shape Salem’s future.
“Education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our community,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo, “Supporting a scholarship is a lasting way to celebrate Salem’s 400+ milestone and help ensure that Salem students have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. I am grateful to both the volunteers on the Scholarship and Education Committee for all they do for Salem’s students, and to the community for their generous contributions.”
Community members interested in participating in the 400 for the 400+ campaign can make a donation online at https://salemma.gov/279/Donations or by contacting the City of Salem Mayor’s Office.
About the Salem Scholarship & Education Committee
The Salem Scholarship & Education Committee works to promote educational opportunities for Salem students and administers scholarship funds made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations. Through these efforts, the Committee helps support local students as they pursue higher education, vocational training, and career development opportunities.
