Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, has announced a $54.7 million gift from The Hodson Trust in support of student scholarships.

The gift will enable the college to guarantee a minimum scholarship of $120,000 over four years to incoming students with at least a 3.3 grade point average who apply by December 1, and students may qualify for additional aid based on academic performance. In addition, the gift will support the Hodson Trust Washington Scholars endowment, which provides full tuition, fees, and room and board for students with significant financial need.

Since 1935, the trust has awarded more than $150 million to the college, supporting student scholarships, undergraduate research and internship stipends, academic centers, and faculty chairs, salary enhancement, and professional development. In November 2022, the college’s largest benefactor shut its doors.

“This generous gift from the Hodson Trust is truly transformative for Washington College,” said Washington College president Mike Sosulski. “Access to an outstanding educational experience is a pressing issue for many families today. The trust’s support of our students’ financial needs expands our ability to ensure access to a wide range of potential students, particularly those who are first-generation or come from underserved communities.”

(Photo credit: LBergman via Wikipedia)