Thompson Foundation News
Latest News & Events
September 15, 2026
BGSU President Rodney Rogers and Thompson Scholar Dominic Hall joined WKYC’s Betsy Kling and Jay Crawford to discuss the “skin in the game” funding model making college affordable for middle-income families. Watch the interview.
September 2, 2026
Business journalist Carol Cain, host of Michigan Matters, sits down with Bob and Ellen Thompson and GVSU President Philomena Mantella to explore the Thompson Working Families Scholarship, a ‘skin in the game’ program expected to reach 14,000 students by 2033. Watch the interview.
August 11, 2026
A record cohort of 1,125 students is joining four partner universities across Michigan and Ohio as new Thompson Scholars this fall, backed by the Thompson Working Families Scholarship and its signature “skin in the game” funding model.
July 9, 2026
Every year, the Thompson Foundation receives hundreds of thank you letters from Thompson Scholars who attend one of our partner schools: Bowling Green State University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University and Saginaw Valley State University.
June 2, 2026
In her guest commentary in Brookings, Dr. Philomena V. Mantella, president of our partner school, Grand Valley State University, highlights the Thompson Working Families Scholarship (TWFS) program as an example of a creative philanthropic response to bolster funding options for middle income college students.
May 29, 2026
Exactly what he needed: From struggling new college student to confident keynote speaker, Mitch Carrico, BGSU ’26, found a second home within the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program. (BGSU photo / Craig Bell)
May 19, 2026
The Michigan-based Thompson Foundation is pleased to announce there were 694 Thompson Scholar graduates for the 2025-2026 academic school year.
May 13, 2026
The Thompson Foundation salutes our graduating Thompson Working Families Scholarship seniors in this 2026 spring commencement photo round-up featuring Thompson Scholars from all four partner schools.
April 23, 2026
Students in this unique program gain valuable leadership insights through a structured six-part series. Hear directly from participants as they share how the experience is preparing them for meaningful personal and professional growth.
April 1, 2026
Bob and Ellen Thompson share a heartfelt message on the importance of service as the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close. Their words highlight the lasting impact Thompson Scholars are making through community-focused initiatives.
March 27, 2026
Nearly 200 Bowling Green State University students were surprised with the Thompson Achiever Scholarship for 2026–2027, providing significant tuition support for up to three years. Watch their emotional reactions as they learn the life-changing news.
March 20, 2026
After receiving a life-changing scholarship from the Thompson Foundation, Bowling Green State University alumna Brionna Powell reconnects to share her inspiring “full circle” journey and the lasting impact of donor support.
December 16, 2025
The Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program at Michigan Technological University has supported 580 students in five years, combining financial assistance, community service, and student success to expand access to higher education across campus..
November 25, 2025
The Thompson Foundation is celebrating long-time board member and advisor Ed Parks, who was recently honored with the 2025 John Carroll University Alumni Medal for his distinguished service, career achievements, and lasting impact on Detroit’s University Prep Schools.
November 3, 2025
Nearly 360 Saginaw Valley State University students are part of the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, which provides financial support, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities. With half of the participants being first-generation college students, the program helps open doors to higher education and brighter futures.
June 20, 2025
Boca Beacon article highlighting the achievements of Ellen Thompson, the Thompson Foundation, and the Thompson Working Families Scholarship. Article written by Sheila Evans published on June 20, 2025.
June 17, 2025
The students of Bowling Green State University express their gratitude for the Working Families Scholarship and extend their congratulations to Ellen Thompson on being named a 2025 Michiganian of the Year.
June 6, 2025
Mrs. Ellen Thompson is named a 2025 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News for her impactful work in education, including founding the Thompson Working Family Scholarships for college-bound students. Photo credit The Detroit News.
May 9, 2025
On April 16, GVSU recognized the achievements of graduating Thompson Scholars, highlighting their academic success, post-graduation goals, and commitment to giving back.
March 21, 2025
BGSU, in partnership with the Thompson Foundation, has awarded $6.6 million in renewable scholarships to 200 high-achieving students, covering up to 75% of tuition and supporting working families.
December 24, 2024
Detroit News article by Kim Kozlowski published on December 24, 2024. Photo credit Andy Morrison, The Detroit News
October 18, 2024
On October 18, the university honored the Thompsons and their foundation for their philanthropic contributions with the dedication of the Bob and Ellen Thompson Student Success Center, located in the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus.
October 1, 2024
The Thompson Foundation held a Thompson Working Families Scholarship Conference in Plymouth, where dedicated university staff gathered to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships.
September 17, 2024
Bob Thompson visited Bowling Green State University and Michigan Technological University to meet with currently enrolled Thompson Scholars.
August 16, 2024
Michigan-based Thompson Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary focused on college scholarships for children of working families and the education of Detroit students.
June 17, 2024
Thompson Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary with focus on two issues: providing scholarships with measurable outcomes to children of working families and the education of inner-city students.
May 3, 2024
Bowling Green State University has announced that the Thompson Foundation will expand its support of an existing scholarship program by at least $121 million.
May 2, 2024
Bob and Ellen Thompson are donating $121 million to expand a scholarship program at Bowling Green State University. But there are strings attached to make sure recipients earn degrees.
May 2, 2024
Bob and Ellen Thompson are donating $121 million to expand a scholarship program at Bowling Green State University. But there are strings attached to make sure recipients earn degrees.