In June of 2024, The Pennington School was awarded a $100,000 matching grant by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, providing the opportunity to raise an additional $200,000 for the Student Assistance Fund. Pennington was one of only twelve independent schools and two associations worldwide to receive a grant from the Foundation at the time. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the School community and the record-breaking success of this year’s 30th Annual Scholarship Classic, Pennington exceeded the goal needed to unlock the matching grant with over $200,000 raised as of June 30, 2025.

The Student Assistance Fund, which is a student-focused priority within the Forever Pennington campaign, covers expenses such as school supplies, athletic equipment, and activity fees, and provides access to the full range of experiences for students who qualify for assistance. 

The Pennington School first launched the Fund in 2016, recognizing that while traditional financial aid funding provides access, it does not cover the full cost of attendance. The Student Assistance Fund ensures that all students, regardless of financial ability, can fully engage in all the School has to offer. The fund has grown to support approximately fifty students each year. In addition to the monetary assistance provided to students by the Student Assistance Fund, students are also supported by the Upper School dean of students, who meets regularly throughout the academic year with them to offer mentorship and guidance.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation, established in 1957, seeks to improve secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools and encouraging promising practices and has awarded over $127 million since its inception. Pennington’s Student Assistance Fund was an excellent match for the foundation’s mission.

For more information on the Student Assistance Fund, please contact Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Charlie Brown at cbrown@pennington.org or at 609.737.6103.