Princeton University Gets $20M From Bloomberg Philanthropies

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University received a “major gift” from Bloomberg Philanthropies to ramp up its efforts to increase enrollment of first-generation and low-income students, the university announced.

The university received $20 million, officials from Bloomberg Philanthropies said.

The gift came through Emma Bloomberg, daughter of billionaire Michael Bloomberg and an alumna of Princeton University Class of 2001.

The amount will be used to establish the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity at the university.

The center will focus on improving access to underrepresented communities and will house existing programs like translating professors’ jargons, targeted summer orientation, and mentoring among other initiatives.

“Bloomberg Philanthropies is drawn to innovative partners who can break down complicated problems and share solutions that work, and I’ve been so proud to see Princeton University become a leader on the issue of education equity,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

She said the initiatives launched by Princeton will help first-generation and low-income students “thrive after they reach campus.”

“I’m hopeful that this center will serve as a national model so that exceptional young people everywhere receive equal opportunities to make the most of their talents.”

The Emma Bloomberg Center will be led by Khristina Gonzelez, current associate dean of the college, director of Programs for Access and Inclusion, and director of the Freshman Scholars Institute.

“As Princeton continues to raise the bar for what college access and success should mean, we look forward to seeing this new center help even more first-generation, lower-income students achieve their goals — and push our country forward on the path to equality and equity,” Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg and former mayor of New York City, said in a media statement.

University President Christopher L. Eisgruber said the new center “will be transformative for Princeton.”

“Increasing educational access and opportunity is one of the University’s highest priorities, and support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will enhance and expand current programs that help more students thrive in college and beyond,” he said.

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