Equalizing the Bates Experience

Equalizing the Bates Experience advances our shared Bates legacy, builds upon our historic commitment to educational equity, and ensures that every student can fully engage in the opportunities that define a Bates education, learning alongside others from myriad backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

ADDRESSING THE NEED

From essential technology for first-year students to graduate-school examination support for seniors, this comprehensive program systematically removes financial barriers that stand between talented students and their full participation in the Bates experience.

WHY IT MATTERS

Equalizing the Bates Experience creates a comprehensive framework to support student success.

  • Foundation: Essential tools and technology access from day one
  • Development: Emergency and opportunity funding throughout the academic journey
  • Empowerment: Career exploration and graduate studies support

“These initiatives transform abstract institutional values into concrete opportunities for us to activate bold approaches that address barriers around access, opening doors for talented students across all economic backgrounds.”

— Rosanna Ferro, Vice President for Student Affairs

SIX STRATEGIC SUPPORT FUNDS

PATHWAYS TO BATES
ENDOWMENT

opening doors to Bates for students from all backgrounds

  • Travel Scholarship program for accepted students
  • Immersion experience enables prospective students to visit campus
  • Family engagement initiative

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $1.5M

STUDENT LAPTOP
PROGRAM

featuring MacBook Air laptops

  • Laptops provided to eligible first-year students
  • Four-year warranty coverage
  • Support for approximately 50 students annually
  • Immediate integration into academic life

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $1.5M+

This goal provides a foundation
for future growth.

STUDENT
EMERGENCY FUND

providing swift support for unexpected challenges

  • Coverage for critical medical expenses
  • International student Visa assistance
  • Emergency travel support

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $1M

OPPORTUNITY
FUND

improving access to campus life experiences

  • Professional development support
  • Social engagement funding
  • Individual grants up to $1,000 annually

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $2M+

This goal provides a foundation
for future growth.

PURPOSEFUL
WORK PROGRAM

to create equitable access to career-building opportunities

  • Summer Internship Programs
  • Practitioner-Taught Courses
  • Student Travel Programs
  • Professional Development Mini-Grants to support professional attire, test prep, applications, and travel

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $5M

ADVANCED STUDIES
ACCESS FUND

offering comprehensive graduate preparation support

  • Professional examination preparation courses
  • MCAT/LSAT/GRE registration fees
  • Graduate school application processes
  • Medical and law school application support

ENDOWMENT GOAL: $1.5M

“By supporting all students at every stage of their Bates journey—from their first day through graduation—we ensure that they benefit fully from our unique residential, liberal arts college education: able to take complete advantage of the entirety of the Bates experience and then leave us ready to contribute their immense talents to the wider world.”

— Garry W. Jenkins, President

WAYS TO GIVE:

Phone: 1-888-522-8371
Online: bates.edu/give
By check: Bates College, Gift Processing, 2 Andrews Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240