Baxter to fund $3.5 million scholarship program

DEERFIELD - Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., Thursday introduced a new $3.5 million collaboration to support students at historically Black colleges and universities.

The Baxter HBCU STEM Scholars Program will be administered in collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. The three-year, $3.5 million initiative funds scholarships and mentoring as part of a multifaceted approach to support students pursuing careers primarily in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as well as education.

Baxter manufactures a portfolio of diagnostic, critical care, kidney care, nutrition, hospital and surgical products used across patient homes, hospitals, physician offices and other sites of care.

"Our partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund unites Baxter's long-standing commitment to expanding STEM education with our focus on advancing racial justice," said José (Joe) E. Almeida, Baxter's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

The core of the new initiative is a scholarship program for approximately 40 students for three years who are pursuing careers in STEM fields. The inaugural group of students will receive scholarships beginning this fall.

"The Baxter HBCU STEM Scholars Program is designed to help students from under-resourced populations address common challenges to increase the likelihood of graduation and early career success," said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. "We know that many students experience unforeseen financial hardships that put their plans for pursuing higher education in jeopardy."