Celebrating Visionary Scholarship Sponsors at the 2025 Irving Innovation Awards

On November 12, 2025, Scholarship America, the leading scholarship administrator in the United States, will honor the remarkable achievements of scholarship sponsors during the second annual Irving Innovation Awards. The prestigious event will take place at The Dupont Circle Hotel in Washington, D.C., uniting executives, philanthropists, and educational leaders dedicated to enhancing educational access and success for students nationwide.

The Irving Innovation Awards reflect the pioneering vision of Dr. Irving Fradkin, the founder of Scholarship America. His journey, rooted in personal experience and community engagement, began in Fall River, Massachusetts, where he established the first “Dollars for Scholars” initiative in 1958. Dr. Fradkin, motivated by the stories of students unable to afford college, galvanized his community to create scholarships that have since evolved into a nationwide movement, providing over $5.7 billion in scholarships to more than 3.2 million students.

This year, the awards will honor 15 innovative scholarship program sponsors, each showcasing unique approaches to supporting students. The honorees have reimagined how scholarship initiatives can impact not only individual lives but also the broader communities. Here are some standout programs:

1. AbbVie Inc.: The AbbVie Immunology Scholarship stands as a beacon of hope for students affected by autoimmune diseases. Providing renewable awards across educational levels, it recognizes applicants who serve as role models in their communities, emphasizing leadership derived from personal health challenges.

2. Alabama Power Foundation: Their scholarship program supports both four-year degree and vocational students in Alabama, demonstrating a commitment to workforce development. This initiative successfully intertwines local educational needs with broader community growth.

3. Aramark: Through the IN2WORK program, Aramark provides educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals, emphasizing rehabilitation and future workforce participation. Their scholarships extend to graduates' families, proving the ripple effect of educational investment.

4. CLA Foundation: Launched in 2025, this program aims to uplift 75 students pursuing careers in finance, accounting, business, and emerging fields such as legal technology and AI. It targets urban and rural communities, fostering diversity and career readiness in underrepresented sectors.

5. Dunkin': With scholarship initiatives in Baltimore and Greater Philadelphia, Dunkin' blends community investment with educational empowerment. Local franchisees actively engage in selecting recipients, creating lasting relationships between the brand and education.

6. Edison International: Through various scholarship initiatives, Edison International nurtures the pipeline of talent in the public utility sector, emphasizing connections to local educational institutions and workforce needs.

7. Hilton Global Foundation: Their global scholarship program supports education and skill development across multiple pathways, removing barriers and promoting lifelong learning within diverse communities.

8. New York Life Insurance Company: The Financial Empowerment Scholarship uniquely blends education with practical life skills, leveraging a digital tool for personal finance to ensure students are ready for future challenges.

9. Niveau Philanthropy: Their emergency aid program provides crucial financial support to students in Boulder County, Colorado, ensuring that unforeseen challenges do not hinder educational pursuits.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation: The foundation champions female high school athletes through the