The Southern Match scholarship initiative, which was launched by the Missouri Southern Foundation in April in order to increase the value of new scholarships, has now established a total of 30 new endowed scholarships for students on campus.

According to Delores Honey, director of donor relations, the limited-time program saw the Foundation set aside an initial $200,000 to use as matching funds in every newly created endowed scholarship. This allowed the Foundation to place an additional $10,000 in every new scholarship where a donor had gifted at least $10,000, which met the initiative’s minimal principal amount of $20,000.

Though the program was limited to a total of 20 scholarships when it was created, its success led the Foundation to extend the program and provide an additional $100,000 to be used as matching funds for 10 more new scholarships. Overall, the incentive of the matching program has brought in an additional $300,000 through donations.

“We’re thrilled that many people have stepped up and have brought in $300,000 basically, in new funds,” said Honey.

These 30 scholarships will provide assistance to students in a wide range of areas — from accounting and dental to nursing and athletics.

“We’re excited that Southern Match exceeded our initial expectations,” said Honey. “Our students will be the beneficiaries of some very generous donors.”