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When the federal government slims down, the ripple effects reach farther than the halls of Congress. They hit homes, families, and, in some cases, the students working toward careers in policy and governance.
That’s why this year, Mason Vision Day—George Mason University’s annual 24-hour period of giving—the Schar School of Policy and Government is turning its focus to a lifeline for those hit hardest: the Schar School Student Emergency Assistance Fund. (See the Mason Vision Day Schar School web page for information on how to participate.)
Mason Vision Day is April 3.
“Selecting the Schar School Student Emergency Assistance Fund for Mason Vision Day was an obvious choice,” said Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell. “This fund was originally established at the start of the pandemic in 2020. With $60,000 raised, more than 50 Schar School students were able to pursue their degrees because of our community’s generosity.”
That same spirit of generosity is needed once again.
With recent federal workforce reductions shaking up employment in the Washington, D.C., region, many students at the Schar School have found themselves in an all-too-familiar bind: Without a steady paycheck, can they afford to finish their degree?
“The impact of the reduction of the federal government workforce has touched many talented people, including students at the Schar School of Policy and Government,” Rozell said. “Already, some of our matriculates have reached out to let us know that, after losing their jobs, they are in a position where they no longer can afford to pursue their degrees.”
The emergency fund was built for moments like this.
The Schar School prides itself on educating the next generation of policymakers, analysts, and public servants—people who go on to shape the laws and decisions that affect the country. That mission shouldn’t be halted because of financial hardship.
This year’s Mason Vision Day is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a call to action for a community that has already proven its commitment to lifting students up when times get tough.
For those who have benefited from the generosity of donors in the past, the impact is undeniable. And for those facing uncertainty today, the support from this campaign could be the difference between dropping out and achieving their dreams.
Said Rozell: “It is our hope that our community will rally once again and, through their generosity, help a new cohort of Schar School students to continue their education without interruption.”