The University of Pennsylvania has announced a $5 million commitment from the Suzanne McGraw Foundation in support of the Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE). 

The gift will be split equally between two initiatives focused on early childhood education. The Suzanne McGraw Scholars will direct $2.5 million to endow scholarships for Penn GSE master’s students and help recruit students from across the country. The remaining $2.5 million will be dedicated to seed funding and an endowment for ongoing early childhood program development and management.

The gift is in addition to a $16.25 million commitment to Penn GSE from the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, of which Suzanne McGraw is an officer, to fund the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education and launch the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership. 

“The need for more highly skilled early childhood education professionals has never been greater,” said McGraw. “I’m delighted to partner with Penn GSE to create an innovative curriculum in early childhood and family studies and to provide scholarships that will encourage students to enter the field. Hopefully, this gift will help educators, policy makers, counselors, and others learn best practices and work effectively with young children and their families to create the foundation necessary for future success.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/f11 photo)