Synovus establishes five scholarships for University of Georgia students

This story was originally posted to UGA Today and was written by Arden Baila ’19, a journalism major interning in UGA’s Office of Corporate & Foundation Relations.

Synovus has established five need-based scholarships for incoming University of Georgia students intending to major in business. Part of the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program, the scholarships will be awarded to students across Georgia beginning in fall 2019.

The Synovus Georgia Commitment Scholarships are renewable for up to four years and will then be awarded in perpetuity.

Synovus’ commitment to these students will extend beyond financial support, as the company will connect them with possible internships, networking opportunities, mentors in the banking industry and more.

“Synovus is proud to partner with the University of Georgia to support the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program,” said Alison Dowe, chief communications and corporate responsibility officer at Synovus. “We are thrilled that five incoming first-year students from across the state will benefit from Synovus’ scholarships beginning next fall. Our investment in the GCS Program also represents a lasting investment in the state of Georgia, and we look forward to seeing the impact of these scholarships for many years to come.”

Through the GCS Program, the UGA Foundation will match, dollar-for-dollar, each of the five scholarships created by Synovus. Since the launch of this program in January 2017, more than $21 million has been raised to establish 322 new need-based scholarships. As the program continues, the university anticipates that between 400 and 600 new, need-based scholarships will be endowed. Increasing scholarship support for students is a key priority of the university’s Commit to Georgia Campaign.

“One of the most effective ways to change lives is through education, and the Georgia Commitment Scholarship Program allows students across the state who are facing financial hardship to afford a quality education at UGA,” said Kelly Kerner, UGA vice president for development and alumni relations. “We are appreciative of Synovus’ ongoing commitment to our students and know that not only will these students’ lives be positively affected, but also those of their families.”

In addition to their scholarship funding, Georgia Commitment Scholarship recipients will receive access to tutoring, academic coaching, networking opportunities, financial literacy workshops and student success workshops to better ensure their collegiate success.

Synovus’ commitment to these students will also extend beyond just financial support, as the company looks to connect Georgia Commitment Scholars with internship opportunities, networking opportunities, mentors in the banking industry and more.

“Synovus strives to focus on the communities we serve in three main areas: education, need-based opportunities, and health and wellness,” Dowe said. “We see our Georgia Commitment Scholarships as a way to address these areas in an innovative, effective way all across our state.”

Individuals, foundations and companies can establish a Georgia Commitment Scholarship for $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000. Learn more at https://give.uga.edu/georgia-commitment/.