America for Bulgaria Foundation Donates Nearly $2 Million for AUBG Scholarships and Activities
The America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) has donated nearly $2 million to AUBG. $1 million of those have been awarded as scholarships to students whose families were financially affected during the pandemic. Thanks to the ABF donations, 167 Bulgarian students have so far received scholarships for the 2021/2022 academic year as part of the AUBG Support Fund.
“The scholarship brought me closer to my career plans and encouraged me in my further development," said scholarship recipient Elina Kalinova. "It also makes me dream of the moment when I will be standing on the other side -- as a donor. I am deeply convinced that AUBG will help me find the right path to success and then I will be able to help other students make their dreams come true."
“The AUBG Support Fund gave me the feeling that even during difficult times, the community is by my side," said another scholarship recipient Vyara Taneva. "I will keep this feeling forever. Even after I graduate, I am confident that the AUBG community will continue to be united and supportive.”
In addition to scholarship support, the America for Bulgaria Foundation has provided $300,000 for the targeted development of the university during the current financial year. The donation will improve the administrative and educational processes and help the AUBG Board of Trustees turn their vision for the development of the university into reality. ABF has also announced that it will match other university donations totaling up to $ 500,000. In order to encourage the support to AUBG, the Foundation will donate twice the amount donated by new AUBG sponsors or people who have not donated since January 2019. ABF will also match any donation by trustees, alumni, employees and friends of AUBG.
“AUBG is a great example of how American optimism successfully meets Bulgarian potential," said ABF representatives. "Over the years, the university has become a center of excellence in Bulgarian education. Access to good education and the applicability of knowledge and skills are key to student success and to the students' contribution to the positive development of Bulgaria and the world."
“We are happy that thanks to the extremely important support from ABF we are able to achieve our goals and provide quality education of the highest level," said AUBG President Dr. David Evans. "Together, we help hundreds of young people follow their dreams, study in Bulgaria, become successful professionals and bring positive change to society.”
The America for Bulgaria Foundation was established in 2009 to support the development of the private sector and related democratic institutions in the country. The Foundation is AUBG's largest donor. With donations totaling more than $25 million, ABF has helped hundreds of university students receive first-class education. AUBG's America for Bulgaria Student Center, which was built in 2012, was named after the Foundation, which provided $8 million for the implementation of the project. The modern and multifunctional building quickly became the symbol of the university and a preferred place for students to meet outside the classroom and develop their talents and skills.