By: Erik Pedersen, Content Strategy Director
BALTIMORE – The Kahlert Foundation, a family foundation located in Maryland focusing on healthcare, education, youth, veterans and human services, has awarded Notre Dame of Maryland University a $50,000 grant to support the creation of a new scholarship program for first-generation college students.
The Kahlert Scholars Program will provide five Notre Dame students with up to $10,000 in tuition assistance during their first academic year. Students demonstrating financial need would be eligible, with preference given to undergraduates with academic merit who are also Pell Grant recipients, members of Notre Dame’s voluntary Trailblazer Scholars program, and graduates of Baltimore City high schools.
“We are grateful for the support of The Kahlert Foundation in establishing this new scholarship program to benefit deserving first-generation students here on campus,” said Dr. Marylou Yam, president of Notre Dame of Maryland University. “This funding will make a significant impact in the lives of our recipients, providing much-needed financial aid to help position themselves for success at Notre Dame.”
The Trailblazer Scholars Program, which began in 2010, provides ongoing, essential support to help first-generation undergraduate students reap the benefits of college life, earn their degrees, and make their way into the world as Notre Dame graduates. The program includes a number of outreach, personal development, and academic enrichment opportunities for participating students.
First-generation college students represented approximately 43 percent of NDMU’s undergraduate Class of 2028, which arrived on campus this fall. The first Kahlert Foundation Scholars are expected to be selected in spring 2025.
“It is a privilege to help young students achieve their dreams,” said Ellen Finnerty Myers, executive director of The Kahlert Foundation. “If the Kahlert Scholars Program can makes the difference between a first-generation student going to college versus not, we are honored to be the difference maker.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
