In April, The Fund for Educational Excellence proudly announced the creation of the Dr. Sonja B. Santelises Legacy Fund. Created in recognition of Dr. Santelises’ leadership, dedication, and decade-long service to the students, families, and staff of Baltimore City Schools, the Santelises Legacy Fund will be structured as a sustained fund, with investment income used annually to provide pre-college academic experiences on university campuses for a cohort of Baltimore City Public Schools high school students. It will provide students with life-changing opportunities, expand their horizons and help them envision their success at the highest levels. We envision the program as an enduring symbol of excellence in City Schools and a lifelong honor for the participating students as they become Santelises Scholars.
To date, we have successfully raised over $450,000 for this project, which will allow for a cohort of at least eight Santelises Scholars annually! Our first cohort will be named in 2027. We will work with high school principals and guidance counselors this fall to co-design the program. We are also working with Princeton University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Institute to form a partnership for the initial years of the program, with the potential to expand to other university partners in the future.
The Baltimore Banner recently featured the Dr. Sonja B. Santelises Legacy Fund, spotlighting the community’s investment in the next generation of Baltimore City students and the significant progress made toward establishing a lasting educational legacy in Dr. Santelises’ honor:
Read the Baltimore Banner’s Story
This new program was made possible by the generosity of amazing donors who came together, united in their belief in the young people of Baltimore and in recognition of Dr. Santelises’ service. We’d like to especially thank the following individuals and organizations who donated at least $1,000 to this project:
- Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Nam-Macgill Family Fund
- Sherman Family Foundation
- Cindy Paradies and Larry Moscow
- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
- Richman Family Foundation
- Blanket Fort Foundation
- Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation
- Jacqueline and Freeman Hrabowski Charitable Giving Fund
- Patricia and Mark Joseph Foundation
- Thalheimer-Eurich Charitable Fund
- Hinkey-Benson Family Fund
- Members of the Board of School Commissioners
- Betsy Nelson
Details regarding the application process and selection criteria for the inaugural Santelises Scholars cohort will be announced this fall.
Those interested in contributing to the Dr. Sonja B. Santelises Legacy Fund may contact development@thefundbalt.org for more information.