Infusing Hope: Don and Ellen Stanton's Vision for Education
stronger community.
When Don Stanton taught political science at the University of Colorado at Denver, he saw dreams slipping away. Many of his students struggled to afford tuition, with few financial aid options available.
For Don and his wife, Ellen, those struggles were all too familiar. Both had worked their way through college, balancing jobs, scholarships, and family support to pursue their education. They understand the stress and uncertainty of trying to make ends meet while in school because they experienced it themselves.
As lifelong educators, the Stantons are passionate about helping students overcome barriers to education. After relocating to Montgomery County, they were inspired by Montgomery College’s innovative curriculum and diverse student body. They saw in the College a reflection of their own values, particularly its commitment to first-generation and working students.
Their partnership with the Montgomery College Foundation led to the creation of a scholarship with a unique focus. They chose to support the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES)new window program, which provides underrepresented students with academic coaching, mentoring, and assistance in applying for financial aid and scholarships.
In addition to providing tuition assistance, the Stantons’ gift also helps clear prior balances, allowing students to move forward in their education. “We wanted our gift to infuse hope,” Ellen says. “Hope is so important. It lets people know they are not alone.”
The Stantons see their scholarship as an opportunity to create ripples of change that will uplift individual students and strengthen entire communities. They believe education is a powerful tool for creating positive change. “We wanted to help as many people as possible,” Ellen says.
“When someone earns an education, they improve their life and their community.”
Through their scholarship, the Stantons are doing more than supporting students. They are giving them the gift of hope and the opportunity to dream again.