Financial aid big-wig steps up with scholarships to aid the victims of September 11th.

Sallie Mae Relieves Debt and Supplies Scholarships
By Dawn Kessler
December 2001

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- After the tragic events of September 11th, we've seen a nation unite in mourning, patriotism, and charity. Sallie Mae, an educational loan provider you'll surely become familiar with if you decide to borrow for school, joined the many generous companies making sure that victims and their families will not lose out on educational opportunities. Since announcing The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund in October, some students are already getting some help.

The $1.5 million-and-growing fund works in two ways. First, it provides immediate debt relief to borrowers whose spouses were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks, by enabling eligible parties to pay off their loans.

In addition, a scholarship program has been set up to provide money to children of victims -- including those on the airplanes, in the buildings, and rescue workers. "We have partnered with the aid community in our effort to distribute scholarship dollars to students most directly affected by the recent terrorist attacks," explains Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, Sallie Mae's president and CEO.

In a show of good spirit, Sallie Mae employees made personal contributions to the fund as well, which were matched two-to-one by the corporation. Totals reached over $500,000.

Those who have been affected by the tragedy can simply download an application. Proper documentation is required. Once applications are reviewed by the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, those eligible can receive a check within 60 days. For further information on the Sallie Mae 911 Education fund, call 800-441-4043.