For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2026
CONTACT: Mary Maude Davis | (615) 780-3373 | marymaude.davis@finnpartners.com
Alexandria, Va. — The Goodwin Living Foundation awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships to 86 students during fiscal year 2026, helping local students and the children and grandchildren of Goodwin Living team members pursue higher education and career goals.
Through two scholarship programs, the Foundation provided financial support to students pursuing college degrees, vocational training and career development opportunities beyond high school. The scholarships recognize students’ academic achievement, service to others and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
“At Goodwin Living, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our community,” said Heather Sherman, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “These scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting promising local students as well as the children and grandchildren of our dedicated team members as they pursue their academic and career goals. We are honored to help open doors to opportunity and celebrate the remarkable potential of each scholarship recipient.”
This year, the Foundation awarded 81 grants through its Children & Grandchildren of Team Members Scholarship Grant Program, benefiting the families of 64 team members. More than half of the scholarship recipients are first-generation college students.
“This grant will help me continue investing in my education and growing my career,” said scholarship recipient Cait Chessnoe. “I would also like to express how thankful I am for Goodwin Living and everything it has done for my family. Goodwin Living has not only supported my educational journey but has also taken care of both me and my mom in many ways. The kindness, care and opportunities provided by this community truly mean so much to us.”
The Foundation also awarded five scholarships through the Ruth and Kathy Anderson Fund for Empowering Talent, which supports local high school seniors interested in working with or volunteering alongside older adults.
The 2026 recipients represented Alexandria City High School, Arlington Career Center, Justice High School and Wakefield High School. Scholarship recipients participated in a June event that included conversations with residents, students and interns, information about Foundation programs and a tour of the community.
“Thank you for your vision of educating the youth of today,” said scholarship recipient Zhi McMillan. “I am proud to have been selected as a scholarship recipient.”
In addition to financial assistance, both scholarship programs create opportunities for students to learn about careers serving older adults, connect with Goodwin Living team members and explore future internship opportunities. These experiences help students better understand the many ways they can make a difference in the lives of others while pursuing a wide range of career paths.
Through these scholarship programs, the Goodwin Living Foundation continues to invest in education, remove barriers to opportunity and support students who reflect the values of service, compassion and community. Since 2022, the Children & Grandchildren of Team Members Scholarship Grant Program has awarded 333 grants totaling $306,500. The Anderson Fund scholarship program has awarded 23 scholarships totaling $11,500 to local students.
For more information on the Goodwin Living Foundation, please visit GoodwinLivingFoundation.org.
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About Goodwin Living™
Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized healthcare services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 70 countries. Goodwin Living has been recognized annually as a Top Workplace in the National Capital Region since 2019, and it was also listed #13 in the list of USA TODAY Top Workplaces for 2026. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
August 11, 2026
