Bloomberg Gift Will Support Underrepresented Students

A gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies, founded by former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, will establish the EMMA BLOOMBERG CENTER FOR ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY at Princeton, with the aim of expanding support for first-generation college students and students from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds, the University announced in April. The Wall Street Journal reported that the gift was $20 million.

The center is named for Emma Bloomberg ’01, who has worked for education and anti-poverty nonprofits. In a University release, Bloomberg said she was grateful for the opportunities she had as a Princeton student and wants young people from all backgrounds to have access to the same resources, along with “a more comprehensive support system for all who matriculate.” 

The University announced that Khristina Gonzalez, an associate dean of the college, will serve as the director of the new center, a role supported by a gift from Bob Peck ’88, a Princeton trustee and a co-founder and managing director of FPR Partners.

The center will integrate and expand several existing mentorship and enrichment programs, including the Freshman Scholars Institute, the University’s Program for Transfer, Non-Traditional and Veteran Students, and the Princeton University Preparatory Program.