USA Funds: Supporting America’s Students & Higher Education Since 1960
“Completion With a Purpose” — Postsecondary Education That Leads to a Fulfilling Career
In 1960 USA Funds® was founded by a group of business leaders who were concerned about the rising cost of a college education. The company was incorporated with the purpose of providing aid and support to college students from all walks of life and particularly among those who otherwise might be unable to attend college. In 1961 USA Funds guaranteed its first student loan.
Throughout its more than 50-year history, USA Funds has served more than 22 million students and parents with more than $250 billion in financial aid for higher education. It has also provided support for thousands of education and financial institutions nationwide.
Since 2000 USA Funds has focused on developing products and services that help colleges and universities promote student success. It has provided more than $200 million in grants and scholarship support for low income and other under-represented student populations to help them enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.
Today USA Funds has adopted “Completion With a Purpose” as the guiding principle for its philanthropic and investment activities, supporting initiatives that are focused on transforming the higher education experience for America’s students so they are prepared for jobs in the 21st century economy.
“Completion With a Purpose” means building a more purposeful path for students to, and through, college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds is focused on initiatives in these key areas:
- Streamlining key education transitions. Help disadvantaged students complete high school by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in college and on the job and by providing students with work experience opportunities during their years in school.
- Facilitating smoother pathways from campus to the workplace. Align education and training programs with America’s 21st century workforce needs; enhance the dialogue between employers and education providers.
- Promoting innovative approaches to college and career preparation. Find new solutions that allow students to complete high-quality education and training programs more quickly, at less cost — and with better prospects for rewarding careers.
- Building new frameworks for data-driven decision-making. Tap the mountain of data available in the higher education marketplace, so that students, families, policymakers and educational institutions all can make better decisions.