HBCU Fayetteville State Lands Record $6.5M Gift for Free Summer School

Fayetteville State University has announced a $6.5 million commitment from Anonymous Trust to fund its free summer school program.

The gift, which is the largest in the university’s history, covers tuition, housing, and meals for students enrolled in the university’s 30-60-90 Free Summer School Program.

A Gift Driving Unprecedented Summer Enrollment at Fayetteville State

Chancellor Darrell T. Allison made the announcement during a special campus event, unveiling an unprecedented summer enrollment peak of 4,827 students. “Today’s announcement represents what can happen when students are given the resources and opportunity to keep moving forward,” Allison said. 

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“We are grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly, led by House Speaker Destin Hall in the House and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger of the Senate, and Gov. Josh Stein for investing in a program that is strengthening degree completion at Fayetteville State. We also thank UNC System President Peter Hans for his continued advocacy on behalf of our university and our students.”

During the campus event, Allison also expressed appreciation for the trust and support from state leaders following the official signing of North Carolina’s budget bill. The new legislation secures a recurring $2 million annual state allocation to sustain and grow the 30-60-90 initiative. 

This funding is part of a broader $16.5 million state investment package for FSU. The new state support gives the HBCU a greater capacity to maintain summer opportunities as participation increases. It also strengthens the partnership among the university, private donors, and state leaders. That partnership has helped students continue earning credits while keeping additional educational costs down.

“This investment allows Fayetteville State to build upon a model that has already demonstrated measurable value for our students,” Allison said. “We have a responsibility to use these resources wisely, continue improving student outcomes, and ensure that more Broncos have a clear path to completing their degrees in four years or less.”

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The 30-60-90 Summer School Initiative Impact

The 30-60-90 summer school initiative has delivered measurable financial benefits. FSU estimates students have avoided more than $4 million in summer loan borrowing since the initiative began. Average summer loan originations per full-time equivalent student have also declined by about 75% since 2020.

The announcement comes as FSU continues to improve its four-year graduation rate. The university reported a 25% four-year graduation rate for the 2021 entering cohort, up from a 19% baseline. FSU has set a goal of reaching 50% by 2031.

“Our students are showing us that summer is an essential part of their academic journey,” Baldwin, vice chancellor for strategic enrollment, said. “The record enrollment announced today reflects their determination towards degree completion and their future.”

The initiative is organized around the academic milestones students must reach to stay on track for graduation. It starts with 30 credit hours for sophomore standing, then 60 credits for junior standing, 90 for senior standing, and 120 for degree completion.

For students facing financial or academic barriers, summer coursework can help prevent delays caused by an incomplete prerequisite, a missed course, or the cost of an additional term. Earning up to seven credits during the summer can also reduce the need for an extra semester to finish a degree.

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Anonymous Trust is a community-focused funder working to elevate and empower rural, under-resourced, and marginalized communities across eastern North Carolina. It invests in grassroots organizations and partnerships with larger institutions to drive systemic change. This approach has made Anonymous Trust a foundational partner in FSU’s three-semester model.

This is the trust’s second multi-million-dollar investment in FSU in three years, surpassing the more than $5.8 million it committed in 2022 that funded student success initiatives.

Main Image: Chancellor Darrell T. Allison announces major support for the 30-60-90 summer school program. Image Credit: Photo by FSU