Our Students

Our goal is to bring the best and brightest to Bryn Mawr without regard for their financial need. Once here, our students receive a rigorous education that teaches critical, creative and independent habits of thought and expression. For that, we rely on innovative teaching and learning opportunities both in- and outside the classroom.

Here are just a few ways Defy Expectation has supported that commitment:

• The College continues to meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for students, spending an average of $29 million on financial aid each year with an increase of 31 percent since Defy Expectation began.
• Our donors have established 72 new endowed scholarships.
• In 2014, Bryn Mawr launched the Career and Civic Engagement Center to help students make connections between their academic work and life beyond the College. Internships and externships, Praxis courses, workshops and intensives, civic engagement opportunities, the Leadership Learning Laboratory, the Alumnae/i-in-Residence program, and career support and networking opportunities are all coordinated by The Center, which was established through a generous $5 million gift from two donors who successfully pledged another $5 million as a challenge gift.
• THRIVE is a 10-week course for first-year students to help with the transition to College. It offers guidance on time management skills, study habits, mental health issues, self-care, and diversity. A special weekly series addresses additional issues like “Living with an Honor Code,” Financial Health for First Year Students,” and President Cassidy’s “Positive Psychology.” 

This level of innovation requires tremendous support and a deep belief in the outcomes. It's a tall order, but one that’s integral to Bryn Mawr’s commitment to women’s education.

Defy Expectation Opportunities

• The Bryn Mawr Fund. Learn more here.
• Endowed scholarships for financial aid support.
• Endowed internships or summer science research support.
• Endowed student enrichment funds to support extra- and co-curricular activities.

For more information, contact Christine Connelly, Director of Campaigns, at 610-526-5523 or caconnelly@brynmawr.edu.