Make an Impact Today

Why Give?

This Network Is Unprecedented—And So Is Its Potential

When you invest in SEN, you're not betting on one person or one project. You're investing in an entire ecosystem of leaders who understand the communities they're serving, who have the expertise to create real solutions, and who are committed to ensuring the next generation has opportunity to thrive.

You're Not Just a Donor—You're Part of the Movement

When you give to SEN, you join a community of people who believe systems can change, who trust leaders to know what their communities need, and who are willing to invest in long-term transformation.

Every day we wait is another day barriers remain in place.

Your gift today accelerates the timeline. It funds the Changemaker who's been waiting to launch their project. It equips a scholar with the professional skills and economic foundation they need to lead in their community. It connects an alumnus to the network that helps them advance their career—so they're positioned to invest back. It provides the leadership training that turns individual success into collective power.

500+

individuals served

120

active volunteers

20,000+

Gates Millennium Scholars
If you're reading this, you probably already know:

“That talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn't. That the people closest to problems are often closest to solutions. That individual success means nothing if systems remain broken. That we have an obligation to those who nurtured us and those who come after us”

2K+

People Reached

Why Maggie
Gives to SEN

Every dollar. Every donor. Every voice. That's how we activate this network's power and transform the systems we come from. Thank you for being part of this.

Maximize your contribution.

Double or even triple your donation by requesting a matching gift through your employer's matching gift program.

Search for SEN under our EIN: 85-2296933.

Interested in other ways you can help? Contribute your knowledge and expertise. Email admin@scholarsequity.org for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEN

  • Scholars Equity Network (SEN) is a nonprofit network of Changemakers founded by the Gates Millennium Scholars Alumni Association. We provide professional and personal development, civic engagement, and economic empowerment opportunities to scholars from underserved communities, positioning them to give back to the communities they come from.

  • The Gates Millennium Scholars program created an unprecedented network of 20,000+ scholars from underserved communities. As the program sunsets, SEN ensures this community’s collective potential and power doesn’t fade. We're mobilizing this unique community (and friends) to address systemic challenges in professional and personal development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement where they're needed most.

  • Our mission is to empower scholars from underserved communities with the tools, resources, and networks they need to create lasting change in their communities. We believe that true success is measured not just by what we achieve, but by what we enable others to accomplish.

    Our vision is rooted in gratitude and responsibility. “Paying it Forward” means recognizing that our success is the result of many hands: teachers who stayed late, mentors who believed in us, communities that invested in our potential. We honor that investment by lifting up the next person and building ladders for those who come after us. Our vision is a world where success is measured by how much we uplift others.

  • At SEN, “Scholar” means more than a degree. It reflects anyone who is committed to learning, growth, or leadership and uses that experience to create equity in their community. While our roots are with Gates Millennium Scholars alumni, our network is inclusive of friends, partners and community leader who share this mission.

  • Most education programs ask: "How do we get more underserved kids into college?" That’s important, but at SEN, we also ask: “What happens after they graduate?”

    Most scholarship programs create individual success stories. SEN builds on that foundation to create collective power. Through our three pillars, Personal & Professional Development, Civic Engagement, and Economic Empowerment, we equip scholars not only to succeed themselves, but to open doors for the next generation.

    While others focus on access, we focus on impact. While others celebrate individual achievement, we celebrate what that individual achievement enables others to accomplish.

  • Anyone. While our core community consists of Gates Millennium Scholars alumni, we welcome "friends" of GMS who share our commitment in uplifting serving underserved communities. SEN is still in the early stages of developing our programs, but one of our central priorities is supporting changemakers and community builders, those who are creating solutions, driving impact, and paying it forward in meaningful ways.

    We also recognize that you don't need a college degree to be a community leader. Some of our most powerful advocates are the people who never left their communities, who've been doing the work all along. SEN supports connecting scholars who went out into the world with the leaders who never left, building a network for collective progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Programs

  • Engage & Elevate (formerly Gather and Grow) events are convening opportunities for Gates Millennium Scholar Alumni and friends throughout the country.

    We hosted these networking and events in various cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, NYC, Houston, Albuquerque, Chicago, and D.C. These events provide invaluable opportunities to expand networks, build community, and learn from fellow changemakers.

    We currently have put a pause to these events in 2026 as we plan for our Pay It Forward Summit.

  • SEN Connect is our online Community/Alumni Portal. SEN connects us and provides a space for ongoing engagement. Through the portal, you can participate in discussions, share news, RSVP for SEN events, connect with GMS alumni and other members, seek mentorships, share resources, and stay connected to our community year-round.

    To access, simply go to scholarsequity.network and create an account.

  • The Pay It Forward Accelerator is our program designed to help GMS alumni and emerging leaders turn their vision for community change into reality. PIFA identifies, supports, and celebrates changemakers committed to creating pathways for others to thrive in underserved communities.

    Our vision is rooted in gratitude and responsibility. “Paying it Forward”. Our vision is a world where success is measured by how much we uplift others.

    In 2025, six Changemakers were selected for full funding.

  • Applications for 2025 selection has closed, but don't let that stop you from preparing! Join SEN Connect or subscribe to our newsletter to get early notification of the 2026 PIFA solicitation.

    Start building relationships with fellow changemakers who can help strengthen your future application.

  • You can support SEN by participating in our donor voting process for Pay It Forward Accelerator, attending events, spreading the word about our work, volunteering your expertise, or making direct donations to expand our program capacity. Every form of engagement helps us create greater community impact.