Student Opportunity Fund

The Student Opportunity Fund was created with the objective of significantly enhancing the academic, professional, personal and spiritual development of each Stonehill student.

Support the Student Opportunity Fund

These funds, which are made available through the generous support of donors to the College, are available to students to subsidize the costs associated with their participation in a wide range of high-impact learning activities. Awarded through an application process that is administered by the Navigation Center for Student Success and considers both academic merit and financial need, preference is given to students who can clearly articulate and demonstrate the significant financial hardships or barriers that jeopardize their ability to participate in desired high-impact learning experiences. 

Donor Impact Report

Kamakura, Japan
Study Abroad: Kamakura, Japan

Stonehill College created a Student Opportunity Fund to help hard-working, deserving students by defraying the costs of academic expenses beyond tuition.

Thank you for your investment in the Student Opportunity Fund, which ensures that our students can focus on enhancing their academic and pre-professional careers without worrying about financial barriers and limitations.

Awards received from this fund impact the lives of our deserving students for many years to come. They facilitate their growth as they become active and prepared professionals and enhance their academic and professional development skills for success in their future careers.

Academic Year 2024-2025

  • 93 students received Student Opportunity Fund awards
  • $37,962 in total awards was given

I just want to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity. Your donation has enabled me to pursue an internship [at the Choctaw Nation’s Cultural Center in Oklahoma] that could be the turning point in my future career and life. Without your donation, I would not have been able to afford the trip and internship. Your generosity eliminates that financial stress that would have been present and removes barriers towards my ability to participate in such an incredible experiential learning opportunity. Words cannot express how thankful I am for you.

Hayden Brown, Class of 2027

Words of Thanks

Alison Gangloff

Class of 2025
This opportunity to be a student teacher has enhanced my academic, professional, and personal goals in many ways. In previous semesters, I have had the time to work at Dunkin’ Donuts to help cover any transportation costs to other placements or activities. However, due to the time commitment of student teaching, I do not currently hold a job which has caused a lot of strain on my finances. Being awarded this high-impact learning experience award has allowed me to feel more at ease about my travels to school every day.

I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, and so it excites me that I am finally at that point in my academic and professional career. Throughout this experience I have learned what it means to be a good teacher who shows warmth to their students while also ensuring work gets done... My grandmother was a teacher all her life and she inspired me to go into this rewarding but difficult profession. I have always loved kids and loved the idea of getting to help mold them into the kind citizens that they will be when they grow up. I have had many impactful teachers in my life, and I want to be that for my students.

Naomi Lin

Class of 2025
I am incredibly appreciative to you for contributing to the Student Opportunity Award. Your donation is going directly toward my academic trip to attend the prestigious Eastern Psychological Association Conference in New York City…. I will be presenting research at the conference, marking the culmination of my hard work and dedication over the past three academic semesters. This opportunity strongly aligns with my academic, professional, and personal goals, as I plan to pursue a career in working with survivors of domestic violence. Presenting my research on partner abuse within transgender communities will enable me to contribute to the growing body of research on marginalized populations, raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by transgender survivors, and engage with meaningful discussions with experts in the Psychology field. Without your donation, I would not have been able to travel and attend this conference. Thank you again very much for your generosity.

Olivia Pham

Class of 2026
When the opportunity to complete my Catholic Intellection Traditions requirement and go to Germany as a part of the class, I could not let this immersive experience slip out of my hands…With this Germany trip occurring over spring break, it provides the flexibility for my major. The main barrier that was stopping me was the financial cost. My parents have worked tirelessly to provide me with opportunities that they did have, but as my little brother entered his college career, finances have been relatively tight. Hence, the search for funds began. Because of your generosity, a portion of my financial barrier has been lifted and made this dream of mine to be within reach, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Student Opportunity Fund

By the Numbers

$228,239
Total Awarded

Since the Student Opportunity Award's establishment in 2014

800
Student Beneficiaries

Approximate number of students receiving awards to date

$306
Student Opportunity Award

Average award amount

With Gratitude

Thanks to our benefactors, the Student Opportunity Fund supports the following student expenses:

Academic Conferences | Local Internships | Study Abroad and Travel Experiences | Graduate School Preparation

Academic Conferences

Stonehill students utilize the Student Opportunity Fund to attend academic conferences where they often present their own research and findings. Since travel and registration costs to get to these conferences can be expensive, many students apply to the Student Opportunity Fund to assist them.

“Attending DECA's International Career Development Conference will provide me with the opportunity to exercise my soft-skill development and train me to become more adaptable in conversations when speaking with others… By having the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, I can build meaningful connections and gain valuable insight about myself and others throughout the conversations I have at the conference.”
- Marissa Sheridan, Class of 2025

“Your generosity allowed me to attend the 34th annual Harvard Women in Business Conference, where I was offered a ticket with six other Stonehill students. With the award, the group of us were able to coordinate travel to and from Boston. Truly, I am unable to formulate how much I appreciate you taking the time to donate money and continue to care about what is transpiring on campus! Thank you for offering me, and many other students, an option to partake in experiences that they otherwise would have a monetary barrier in enjoying.”
- Madison Quenneville, Class of 2027

Local Internships

Local internship opportunities supported by the Student Opportunity Fund often lead students to their desired career path and provide them with the experience and skills to pursue their respective professions. In some cases, it is because of the Student Opportunity Fund that students can afford to take these internships, which are often unpaid, without worrying about the cost of transportation and parking.

“As a pre-law student in Stonehill’s 3+3 program, this [internship] opportunity allows me to apply my classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Engaging with legal professionals, observing casework, and developing essential skills such as legal writing, research, and client advocacy deepen my understanding of the law and better prepare me for the demands of law school. Professionally, this experience is invaluable in building my resume, strengthening my law school applications, and expanding my professional network… The legal profession holds the power to uplift voices and create meaningful change, and I want to be a part of that impact. Working with DOVE will allow me to engage in advocacy for vulnerable populations, reinforcing my commitment to using my legal education to serve others and stand up for those who need it most.”
- Mona Zekavat, Class of 2027

Study Abroad and Travel Experiences

The Student Opportunity Fund assists with travel experiences that otherwise would not have been possible due to financial cost. These experiences include studying abroad, taking travel courses offered by Stonehill, as well as going on H.O.P.E. service immersion trips.

“This [study abroad] experience will give me a glimpse into my future as I plan to do a considerable amount of domestic and international travel in my future career. The program allows me to actively be a student and explore the world before me. This opportunity will immerse me in new cultures and learn ways of living from a European perspective. By receiving an education abroad, I am exposed to a completely new learning environment and courses that I would not have access to in the United States. I am eager to learn global marketing strategies and cross-cultural communication in an unfamiliar setting, which are essential for a job in marketing.”
- Jadeyn Violette, Class of 2026

“Because of your kind donation, I am now able to spend a month in Greece this summer and take a class there. I am more excited than I can put into words to have this opportunity to travel and experience such a rich culture. This is going to help me grow not only as a student, but as a person overall. Getting to immerse yourself fully in another culture is something not many people are able to do. Going on this adventure to a place I have never been to before all on my own and living there for a month is scary, but so exciting. I think this will help me grow as a person and teach me more independence.”
- Julia Wedge, Class of 2026

Graduate School Preparation

The Student Opportunity Fund allows Stonehill students to attend outside classes, such as exam prep courses, and take entrance exams for levels of higher education such as graduate school or medical school.

“As I prepare to graduate and pursue a Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy, these funds will help alleviate the financial burden associated with applying to and touring graduate programs. I am passionate about becoming an occupational therapist, specifically working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support infants and their families during critical developmental stages. The ability to pursue further education without as much financial strain allows me to focus more on my academic and professional growth, gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference in the field of pediatric occupational therapy…Your generosity not only supports my immediate goals but also contributes to my long-term aspiration of making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
- Rachel McCarthy, Class of 2025

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Your gift to the Student Opportunity Fund provides excellent opportunities to Stonehill students.

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