The Jackson State University Presidential Challenge fund-raising campaign grew by $30,000 thanks to a 3:1 matching gift from Strada Education Network.
“Strada Education Network is a non-profit organization that takes a fresh approach to improving student success in higher education and connecting graduates to rewarding careers,” said JSU First Lady Stephanie Nellons-Paige, vice president of national engagement for Strada.
Building on the 56-year legacy of USA Funds® — which helped more than 22 million students and parents pay for college — Strada Education Network promotes Completion With a Purpose®, enhancing student success in college — or other postsecondary programs — and connecting graduates to rewarding careers and fulfilling lives.
Nellons-Paige said, “I am grateful that my employer has matched our $10k contribution to Jackson State University 3:1, making our total contribution $40,000. I hope this generous matching-gift will help more JSU students succeed in postsecondary education and graduate with the skills and competencies they need to smoothly transition to their careers and lives following graduation.”
Many corporations and businesses will match charitable contributions made by their employees, employees’ spouses or retirees. This is a great way to double or even triple your gift to Jackson State.
Click here to see if you are employed by a matching gift company. You may also go to or call your human resources department to determine matching gift policies and procedures.
Jackson State Interim President, Rod Paige, announced the Presidential Challenge in February urging alumni, faculty, staff and other supporters to give to this special fund to meet immediate needs caused by a cash shortfall due to lower than anticipated projected income and ongoing state budget cuts.
Nellons-Paige noted that “strada” means “road” or “pathway” and evokes the notion of being on the right path. She added that the new name accurately captures the organization’s focus on helping students, educators, employers and policymakers make better decisions that promote the most effective avenue through education and training on the way to the full realization of career and life goals.
Strada Education works to ensure all students have the tools and resources they need to compete successfully in the 21st century workforce, by:
- Connecting students to meaningful work experience throughout their education and providing improved data on the value of college programs to help students make better decisions about their career paths.
- Engaging employers to play a more central role in the education process to promote better alignment between graduates’ skills and employers’ needs for talent.
- Cultivating innovative technologies, education and training programs, and partnerships to enhance college completion and career preparation.
- Assisting at-risk youth and young adults who are out of school and not working to ensure that they, too, have the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential and pursue a rewarding career.