CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- It was announced Thursday that a $10 million commitment from Scott and Beth Stephenson will provide a scholarship program for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science.
“They want the best kind of high-performing students but then all so students that you know may not consider coming to UVA because it's a financial burden and and that's you know, Scott and Beth in particular wanted to make sure that that wasn't going to be a barrier to entry to the field," said Brian Wright, Quantitative Foundation Associate Professor of Data Science, Director of Undergraduate Programs.
A major gift from a UVA alumnus and his wife will help students who are working toward a degree in data science.
The University of Virginia says that the $10 million gift to the school will be matched from the University’s Bicentennial Scholars Fund for a total investment of $20 million.
“Because of the university's policies is that because it is directed towards need, the university matches any donation that you give for scholarships associated with students that need a little bit of help paying for their tuition," said Wright.
Back in September 2023, UVA announced the Data Science Degree program was the first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation and that there are 75 new Data Science undergraduates this year.
“You know, you don't really get to create new stem fields that often especially at you know, top programs in the country and new schools. So, I mean, we're just we have we have a really amazing kind of environment here at UVA," said Wright.
Officials say the impact of this huge gift will help impact students in the program throughout their college careers.
“I think the impact across the program is going to be pretty high. I don't know if I would say every student but I think every student will have an opportunity to kind of benefit from this investment," said Wright.
