A $250,000 donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies expands the Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship Fund, which will increase access to a McCourt School education for military-connected students. Established in 2021 through a $125,000 gift from Craig Newmark—founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies—the Fund aims to support active-duty service members, veterans and military-connected students and help them pursue careers in public service.
The new gift will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for up to nine new Newmark Scholars enrolled in full- or part-time graduate programs and continue to support the current cohort of Newmark Scholars for the 2023-2024 academic year. It will also provide resources for the National Defense Policy Initiative, in which military and civilian students exchange professional experiences and build community through a series of events, outreach and other programming.
“Our country faces a lot of challenges, and veterans and military-connected individuals bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to contribute to solutions,” said Newmark. “I am pleased to continue my support of active-duty, veteran and military-connected students at the McCourt School, and the School’s mission to develop a more diverse pipeline of skilled public servants.”
The diverse community at the McCourt School includes dozens of military-connected students, including 20 active-duty U.S. Army Officers participating in the Joint Chiefs of Staff program. By increasing access to education, the McCourt School aspires to support military-connected students in their calling as public service leaders who will impact the future of public policy.