Menachemi Fairbanks School First Generation Scholarship

Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health

How can we build a bridge to underserved communities, address Indiana’s health and economic challenges, and narrow workforce gaps? The answer is health-focused first-generation college students. They provide hope for leading the way to reaching these important goals, but they need our help to overcome the financial barriers to a college education.

Your gift will provide critical support to undergraduates in the Fairbanks School of Public Heath, with preference given to first-generation students.

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Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health

How can we build a bridge to underserved communities, address Indiana’s health and economic challenges, and narrow workforce gaps? The answer is health-focused first-generation college students. They provide hope for leading the way to reaching these important goals, but they need our help to overcome the financial barriers to a college education.

Your gift will provide critical support to undergraduates in the Fairbanks School of Public Heath, with preference given to first-generation students.

Additional Info

Students studying at the Fairbanks School of Public Health.

The Menachemi Fairbanks School First Generation Scholarship was created to assist first-generation college students with the cost of their college education. This scholarship is essential for many students to graduate with their respective degrees.

Why are these scholarships important?

  • By serving first-gen health-focused students, you’ll support a workforce that can reduce or eliminate existing health disparities and better respond to the needs of our diverse communities. The success of these students is Indiana’s success.
  • Well-trained, empowered first-gen health-focused students will accelerate economic development in central Indiana and fill future health-related roles, while bringing an intimate understanding of Indiana’s diverse community needs.
  • Nir and Sharon Menachemi share a passion for supporting first-gen students, as they believe education is key for transforming the economic and health trajectory of individuals, their families, and their community. The Menachemis hope that this scholarship will help spotlight the important relationship between education, population health, and economic well-being in society.

Why is donor support needed?

  • First-gen students make up a third of our nation’s college population, yet just over half manage to earn undergraduate degrees within six years. They struggle without direct lines to resources. Many often lack the preparation for advanced academic life. Without a cushion of support, they’re forced to face the challenges of college alone.
  • By investing in the success of IU Indianapolis’ first-gen health-focused students, we can accelerate the momentum toward a stronger, healthier Indiana—and a better world for all.

Thank you for your generous support!

Your giving matters

I’m a Mexican-American first-generation student who comes from a family and culture that views college as a privilege. I especially never imagined pursuing a master's degree would be in the realm of opportunities for me. I'm grateful for all the amazing support that has guided me to where I am today, and thanks to all of you, we are collectively a step closer to breaking these generational access barriers to higher education.

Melissa Alamilla-Arismendez Scholarship Recipient

Important Disclosures

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.

Gifts will be administered by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. which represents Indiana University. This is not a gift to Indiana University Health, and the Indiana University Health Foundation will not play a role in administering these accounts.

In July 2024, IUPUI became Indiana University Indianapolis and is no longer affiliated with Purdue University. The IU Foundation is in the process of updating all fund titles and fund descriptions to reflect this change. Effective July 2024, even though IUPUI may be mentioned on this page, gifts to this fund will be administered by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc., on behalf of Indiana University Indianapolis.