BGSU awards $6.6 million in combined scholarships to 200 high-achieving students through Thompson Working Families Scholarship program

Thompson Achiever Scholarship covers majority of tuition for remainder of students’ college education

Continuing the momentum from last spring's historic gift announcement to student success through the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, Bowling Green State University on Friday awarded a combined $6.6 million in scholarships to 200 high-achieving students selected as Thompson Achiever Scholars.

During a special event in University Hall, BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers shared the news with the current students, who had applied for the scholarship earlier this academic year. The annually renewable scholarship covers nearly all of a student's remaining tuition and is awarded to undergraduates from working families who demonstrate high academic success during their first year at BGSU, as well as financial need.

Representing Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, the selected students make up the first cohort of Thompson Achiever Scholars since alumni Robert ’55, ’06 (Hon.) and Ellen ’54, ’06 (Hon.) Thompson announced in May 2024 their intent to give, in total, $121 million to scholarships at BGSU, establishing one of the largest non-endowed scholarship programs of its kind in the nation.

"Through their incredible generosity, Bob and Ellen Thompson have created a generationally defining scholarship program that is changing the lives of thousands of students from working families at Bowling Green," said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “As a public university for the public good, access to higher education is at the very core of our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for the Thompsons’ belief in the power of higher education and our students. We are so pleased to continue our philanthropic partnership with the Thompson Foundation in preparing students for great careers and great lives."

Through the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, students receive $11,000 each academic year, which amounts to about 75% of tuition and ensures they still have a financial investment in earning their degree, which is one of the key components of the scholarship.

The Thompson Achiever Scholarship begins during a student's second year and is renewable through graduation. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average and commit to service hours to remain eligible for the scholarship.

"We are grateful to the Thompsons for their dedication and support to keeping education accessible for BGSU students," said Cecilia Castellano, vice president for enrollment management at BGSU. "With the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, BGSU helps hard-working, high-achieving students earn an education of value in a comprehensive learning community that provides top-ranked experiences and opportunities. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Thompsons to support this latest round of scholars through graduation."

The innovative public-private partnership behind the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program was pressure-tested for a decade at BGSU, first launched in 2014 with a small group of students. Through the Thompson Foundation, BGSU is required to match the Thompson funds and ensure that 80% of scholarship recipients graduate in four years or less.

After proving the model could be successful at BGSU, the Thompsons announced the expansion of their scholarship program through 2035. When matched with University and other donor contributions, the philanthropic impact will amount to nearly $250 million, supporting more than 6,200 BGSU students through the next decade.

The Thompsons' recent contribution is the largest in University history and the largest single gift designated to student scholarships ever in the state of Ohio.

For over a decade, the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program has broadened access to higher education for thousands of BGSU students. While financial support is a significant component, the program’s robust support system is paramount to student success. Every Thompson Scholar receives personalized guidance and encouragement throughout their academic journey, including regular check-ins with advisors on progress and potential challenges.

The four-year graduation rate among Thompson Scholars has averaged 89% during the past decade, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in helping students reach their educational goals and graduate with minimal debt.

By fostering a supportive community, Thompson Scholarship Programs also helps build a network of students committed to giving back and making a difference in their communities. This ripple effect of positive change aligns with the University’s broader mission of public service and engagement.