BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green State University and the Thompson Foundation announced they’re expanding and extending their public-private scholarship, according to a BGSU press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Bowling Green State University and the Thompson Foundation announced they’re expanding and extending their public-private scholarship, according to a BGSU press release

  • The program, which started in 2014, helps “high-achieving students overcome financial barriers to higher education"

  • From when it started to 2035, when it’s expected to be completed, the release states it will be responsible for almost $250 million in scholarships

  • Recipients receive $11,000 each school year

The program, which started in 2014, helps “high-achieving students overcome financial barriers to higher education.” It is expected to be completed by  2035. Throughout its time it will be responsible for almost $250 million in scholarships, according to the release.

“When combined with their past scholarship support, Bob and Ellen Thompson shared their intent to give $121 million to scholarships at BGSU, as well as the possibility of an additional $30 million to extend the program past 2035,” the release reads. “If realized, the Thompsons will have contributed $150 million to student scholarships at BGSU.”

According to the release, this is the largest contribution to the university as well as the largest single donation for student scholarships in Ohio. It also notes this is one of the country’s biggest non-endowed scholarship programs.

"The impact of this gift is immeasurable, and we are incredibly grateful for the Thompsons' continued confidence in BGSU and our students," BGSU President Rodney Rogers said in the release. "Throughout the past 10 years, we have worked diligently with the Thompson Foundation to pressure-test and grow this first-of-its-kind public-private partnership aimed at accountability in achieving student success. This is absolutely an innovative concept of philanthropy based on outcomes, with all parties – BGSU, the individual student and the Thompson Foundation – having a shared responsibility in achieving success.”

The scholarship’s recipients are called Thompson Scholars, and the release sates they receive $11,000 each school year. While the program has already served 2,200 students, they expect these “enhancements” to bump that to 6,200 while also extending the program through 2031-2032.

“When we first created this scholarship program, we wanted to make sure the dollars were put to good use with accountability throughout the entire process," Bob Thompson said in the release. "BGSU has proven this accountability approach works, and we are excited to publicly express our intentions to expand and extend this program into the next decade. Ellen and I are pleased to support BGSU students who have financial need and are willing to work hard at a university that has proven its ability to support them and match these scholarship dollars."

As part of the scholarship program, the university is required to match the donations.

"We recognize not all universities would be willing to accept the accountability metrics our agreement with the Thompsons requires, but we absolutely believe it is our responsibility to ensure our students are successful and each and every dollar is put to good use,” Rogers said in the release. “As a public university for the public good, we are committed to access to higher education, and we are so pleased to continue this philanthropic partnership with the Thompson Foundation. We look forward to working with others who will join us in the support of this program.”

In the current academic year, BGSU says the scholarship program is funding 1,063 students and that last year their cumulative GPA was 3.59.