Ridley Scholarship Program Giving Day

Celebrate the 114th birthday of Dr. Walter N. Ridley with a gift supporting learning, leadership, and legacy for Black students on Grounds!

Named for UVA’s first Black graduate, the Ridley Scholarship Program seeks to attract Black students of the highest academic caliber to UVA. The program has supported over 300 students since 1987, with 17 scholars currently making their indelible impact on Grounds—but we know we can reach hundreds more. 

To honor Dr. Walter N. Ridley’s exemplary principles and celebrate his 114th birthday, we are asking 114 donors to be a part of the Ridley Scholarship Program’s Giving Day next week on Monday, April 1! 

In less than forty years, Ridley has grown from a $500 book award into a scholarship program with funds valued at over 19 million dollars. Your generosity on our spring day of giving will allow us to provide opportunities, access, and lifelong support to the most remarkable scholars in the nation for the next forty years and beyond! Donate to Ridley now and support: 

• LEARNING — Ridley Scholars are passionate in their pursuit of knowledge in and out of the classroom. The financial support offered by the program gives them the freedom and flexibility to dive wholeheartedly into whatever they want to learn.   
• LEADERSHIP — The Ridley Scholarship Program provides community engagement, professional development experiences, and networking opportunities that help close the access gap for Black scholars. 
• LEGACY — With a community on Grounds and an alumni network around the world, Ridley Scholars benefit from their four years in the program for the rest of their lives. Ridley alumni connecting to current students pays it forward and creates true equity.