Landmark College Wins Major Grant from Johnson Scholarship Foundation
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by Madeline Bergstrom
PUTNEY, Vt.—Isaac Q. Alam of Queens, N.Y., did not picture himself going to college. In spring 2014, however, he learned that he had been awarded one of Landmark College’s first-ever full-tuition scholarships. Supported by a $500,000, five-year matching grant from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, these Access to Innovative Education (AIE) awards are designed to make a Landmark College education possible for students who would not otherwise be able to consider it.
“College is now a realistic thing for me,” Alam stated. “When I got the scholarship, it showed me that my life could continue after high school.”
Over 70% of Landmark College students receive institutional grant aid, with an average award of $19,109. Although this level of support is significant, it leaves college out of reach for students with higher levels of financial need. Peter Eden, Landmark College president, said, “Landmark College is committed to making our innovative educational model available to students without access to financial resources. Full-tuition scholarships are an essential part of that commitment.”
In addition to Alam, four other students are currently attending Landmark College on AIE scholarships. Stacey Clement, a commuter student from Hinsdale, N.H., said, “Receiving an AIE award enabled me to attend Landmark College. When I found out, it was pretty awesome!” Clement plans to pursue a career in secondary education with a focus on history.
Because the Johnson Scholarship Foundation award is a matching grant, Landmark College is relying on the participation of other funders and donors to enable the institution to offer full scholarships to as many students as possible over the next five years. The F.I.S.H. Foundation made a grant of $25,000 to the AIE fund for 2014-15. The William H. Pitt Foundation contributed $20,000 to support a student with financial need from Fairfield County, Ct. For information about contributing to the AIE scholarship fund, contact Lynne Feal-Staub, Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs, at 802-387-7199 or [email protected].
Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia. Today, Landmark College is a global leader in integrated teaching methods for students with learning disabilities (including dyslexia), ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The College offers two- and four-year degree options, a graduate-level certificate in universal design with technology integration, and summer programs for students who learn differently. Students, faculty, and professionals from around the world are drawn to Landmark College for its innovative educational model, designed through research and practice to help all students become confident, empowered, and independently successful learners.