OVERVIEW
John Griffin (McIntire ’85) likes to set the bar as high as possible. In 2014, with his $4 million challenge gift to the University of Virginia, he created the Blue Ridge Scholars program to support undergraduate students with exceptional academic promise and significant financial need, and challenged other donors to match his gift on a one-to-one basis. The initiative was an outstanding success.
In December 2020, President Jim Ryan announced an additional investment of $30 million to support need- and merit-based scholarships at the University. In a symbol of its commitment to creating greater access, the board earmarked $10 million of this investment to provide special matching funds for two important University initiatives—the University Achievement Awards and the Blue Ridge Scholars Program.
While all matching funds have been utilized for gifts, Blue Ridge Scholarships continue to be a priority for the University and an important resource for our students.
A committee within the Office of Admission selects Blue Ridge Scholars based on academic accomplishment and financial need. A Blue Ridge Scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $7,000 per student per year and may replace the loan or work study component of a financial aid package. To date, more than 200 students have received a Blue Ridge Scholarship.
We are grateful for the generous support, which will continue to benefit future generations of UVA students.
