Hip-Hop artist Dee-1 and Sallie Mae announced it will award a $25,000 college scholarship to an Indiana high school student as part of the company’s “Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program.”
The scholarship honors the legacy of former Sallie Mae executive Charlie Rocha.
Sallie Mae leadership, employees, and educator-turned-hip-hop artist Dee-1 made the announcement on Sunday at the company’s second annual 5K race in Fort Harrison State Park to support the scholarship program.
Sallie Mae partner Dee-1 kicked off the 5K race and treated more than 250 employees, their family, and friends to an impromptu performance of his hit single, “Sallie Mae Back.”
He also reflected on Mr. Rocha, with whom he collaborated on a number of financial literacy and student loan repaymentcampaigns over the last two years.
“As a father to four daughters, Charlie understood what families go through to save, plan, and pay for college and that fueled his passion and creation of the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program.” – Dee-1
Sallie Mae’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program recognizes inspiring high school juniors and seniors who excel in academics, athletics, community service, or school activities, but whose financial circumstances may not permit them to fulfill their college dreams.
Over the past two years, Sallie Mae has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students through the program.
Thanks to a generous contribution by the Rocha family to the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Fund and the company’s commitment to match that donation, Sallie Mae will now offer seven $25,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarships, up from five in 2017.
One Bridging the Dream Scholarship will be awarded to a student in Indiana, home to the company’s second largest office.
Beginning August 23, high school counselors and community leaders may nominate deserving students.
“It was important for me to be here to help honor Charlie’s legacy and support the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program — which will put the dream of a higher education within reach for a deserving student. That’s great news for Indiana,” Dee-1 said.
