I think it is really important for a company to be a good partner with the communities in which it does business. As a GSK employee, I have the opportunity to volunteer on company time in my community, and this says a lot about GSK.
But there is also something about a company directly investing--putting its money where its mouth is, so to speak--that really sends a message. That's why I was pleased to see that earlier this week GSK established a $1 million college scholarship fund through The Philadelphia Foundation that will provide Philadelphia residents who have overcome significant adversity with the opportunity to improve their lives through higher education at Pennsylvania state universities or community colleges.
Our goal with the scholarship is to remove at least one of the obstacles to education for recipients who have endured such difficult circumstances as serious illness, sexual abuse, domestic violence and personal loss. Each scholarship will be for an amount up to $5,000 and will be renewable for up to four years. The scholarships can be applied toward tuition, fees, books and materials.
"Opportunity scholarships honor those who will flourish in their chosen fields through a powerful combination of inner strength, commitment and having a dream," noted Deirdre Connelly, president of North America Pharmaceuticals. "The recipients will embody dignity and grace in the face of adversity and will all have learned that while misfortune may affect your circumstances, it does not have to claim your spirit."
By partnering with The Philadelphia Foundation--one of the oldest community foundations in the nation--we can leverage their expertise in managing philanthropic resources such as scholarships on a permanent basis for the good of the entire region.
If you or someone you know qualifies, please complete an application for the GlaxoSmithKline Opportunity Scholarship. Applications will be available on www.philafound.org beginning in January and will be due March 15 for the fall.
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