16 KIPP Students Receive $60,000 Each from the Dave Goldberg Scholarship Program 

For Immediate Release

New York, NY – May 1, 2023 – Today, the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) Foundation and the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation (SGB) announced the 2023 recipients of the Dave Goldberg Scholarship. Sixteen high school seniors were selected from hundreds of applicants and will join the 93 students already in the program. This video captures the moment students were notified.  

“Dave believed deeply that if given the opportunity to learn and excel, every person is capable of improving their lives and the communities around them,” said Sheryl Sandberg, Founder of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation. “We started the Dave Goldberg Scholarship program to honor and carry on Dave’s legacy by lifting up a new generation of diverse leaders. This year, we’re welcoming our sixth cohort, including 16 incredibly talented KIPP students about to begin their college careers. Getting to know them fills me with such hope for the future.”

All 16 students in the 2023 cohort of Goldberg Scholars will receive a unique combination of financial support and mentorship during their four-year college experience. Highlights include: 

  • Critical financial support totaling approximately $15,000 per year per student to cover a range of non-tuition needs not traditionally met by college-based financial aid 
  • A Goldberg Mentor to provide guidance and support on a regular basis throughout college 
  • Support from Goldberg Connectors – a network of professionals who will help scholars secure summer internships and job opportunities 

“These Goldberg Scholars will have an opportunity to access career resources and expand their network during college to land a strong first job,” said Shavar Jeffries, KIPP Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to essential financial resources, Goldberg Scholars receive extraordinary mentoring and networking support that ensures they are ready for the world upon graduation.  I am deeply grateful for the SGB Foundation’s life-changing investment in our shining young people.” 

The 16 KIPP students selected represent 8 regions across the KIPP Public Schools network, including Texas, California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Among the recipients is a future entrepreneur, a social justice advocate, an aspiring criminal lawyer, and a neuroscientist. Check out the 2023 Goldberg Scholars profiles here.  

The Goldberg Scholarship Program was established by SGB in October 2017 to support graduating high school seniors from KIPP schools across the country who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and achievement. The scholarship honors the legacy of Dave Goldberg by supporting a new generation of trailblazers who have demonstrated Dave’s qualities of leadership, resilience, achievement, character, and entrepreneurial spirit.  

 “Dave believed deeply in the power of education, and it was part of his purpose to help people,” said Rob Goldberg, Dave’s brother and Founder of Forge LLC. “He believed that if people were given an equal opportunity to succeed, the world would be a better place, and he made it his mission to help make that happen. I’m so proud to see his legacy live on through the Goldberg Scholars, and to witness all that they have and will continue to accomplish in the years ahead. I’m hopeful that they will go on to build their own network to support and connect people who follow in their footsteps.” 

“As in past years, this year’s class is hard-working, resilient, and so talented; just like Dave,” said Tom Bernthal, Dave’s friend and Board Director at the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation. “Being a mentor to Goldberg Scholars and watching Dave’s legacy live on through them has meant so much to me. I couldn’t be more proud of the students’ accomplishments and all they will achieve in the future.” 

About the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation 

The Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation works to build a more equal and resilient world. SGB brings people together to support each other through three key initiatives: LeanIn.Org, OptionB.Org, and the Dave Goldberg Scholarship Program. 

About KIPP 

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of 280 public charter schools that are dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. KIPP schools are ​part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students. Started in 1994 as a middle school program, KIPP has since expanded to enroll students in all grades from pre-K through high school. KIPP students graduate from four-year colleges at four times the average for students from similar economic backgrounds nationwide. 

Press contact:

Maria Alcon Heraux

mheraux@kipp.org