Securing the Future

The opportunity is unmistakable: full-tuition funding for a graduate education in a select SP2 master’s program, an enriched structure of mentorship and specialized seminars, conference funding, and instant community in a small cohort. Preference is given to students who self-identify as BIPOC or have graduated from a historically Black college or university, or a minority-serving institution.

There are unique challenges that come with being a first-generation graduate student. At SP2, they understand and support my dreams of making and facilitating change in communities.”Mayowa Fageyinbo, SPP’24, GR’25

Mayowa, who graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in psychology, is working towards a Master of Social Work degree at SP2, but she is also enrolled at the Perelman School of Medicine in the Master of Public Health program. Before Penn, Mayowa had two transformational career opportunities that altered her trajectory from clinical psychologist to policy, social work, and public health. “At the Maryland Department of Health, I implemented a program that encouraged court-involved adolescents who were experiencing mental health challenges to pursue adult life skills and higher education,” she says. Mayowa then returned to Howard to work in international affairs, where she gained valuable experience in policy, global opportunities, and the high school to college pipeline for a mostly Black student population.

Now, Mayowa wants to make graduate education more accessible. “Education is a powerful social determinant of health,” she says. “It’s important, but not enough, to have more BIPOC graduate students. We need to be more intentional about how to support first-generation, modest-income students once they’re enrolled.”

Philanthropy is crucial to attracting top-tier students like Mayowa. “We’re grateful for the generous support that helps bring fantastic students like Mayowa to SP2,” says SP2 Dean Sara S. Bachman. “The Social Justice Scholars offer powerful perspectives as they prepare for careers advancing social innovation, impact, and justice.”

Nisha Hurst, W’96, PAR’25, an SP2 Board member, and Brian Hurst, W’94, PAR’25, wanted to invest in the future of the Social Justice Scholars Program. “I’m so impressed by the enthusiasm and determination of the Scholars,” says Nisha. “They are tackling difficult issues such as food insecurity, urban planning, criminal justice reform, and education, and they are looking for creative solutions to bring equity and justice to underprivileged members of society.”

In looking at the best way to make an impact, Nisha was inspired to explore a planned gift after the Board received a presentation on the topic. With guidance from Penn’s Office of Gift Planning, the Hursts decided to create a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRUT), which is enabling them to use appreciated securities to financially strengthen the Social Justice Scholars program in the present and long term.

The Hursts’ planned gift was a win-win. It enabled them to support a program they care deeply about in a way that met their philanthropic and financial goals. They also became members of the Charles Custis Harrison Society, which recognizes people who have designated a planned gift to Penn.

“Our program is special because it attracts students whose voices are needed in this space,” says Mayowa. “We may not be the status quo, but we are needed at Penn, and these scholarships are getting us here.”

To learn more about creating a unique gift plan, contact Beth Delaney, Director of Gift Planning, at (215) 898-6171.