In 2007, alumnus Marshall Parke '77 began formulating a plan to provide scholarships for students from developing countries who might otherwise not have the resources to attend Thunderbird. But, Parke's experience working in emerging markets taught him that a degree is only half the battle. These students need access to strong networks and professional mentoring as well.

It was with these considerations in mind that he developed the Thunderbird SHARE Fellowship - an alumni-funded scholarship/mentorship program for students from emerging markets. Since awarding its first scholarships in 2008, the program has more than a dozen alumni contributors and is actively seeking new T-birds to support this worthwhile, global effort.

"This is not a modest, 'feel-good' program," says Parke. "We are asking alumni to make a serious commitment to share their success, both financially and personally. Alumni with the financial resources to join SHARE, but not the time, are being matched with alumni who want to participate as mentors, but don't have the financial resources. We each have our own way of giving."

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Financial

Funded by alumni pledges, the SHARE program is designed to provide full tuition scholarships to approximately 10 students per year. To reach the program's goals, the following alumni sponsorship levels are outlined:

Individuals, as well as alumni groups (local chapters or class years), are encouraged to participate. Non-alumni with an interest in Thunderbird may also take part in the program. The program also welcomes corporate and foundation participation. Gifts from corporate and foundation donors help to supplement mentor gifts to maintain and expand the program. All contributions are managed by the school and are U.S.-tax deductible.

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SHARE scholar Kseniia Medvedieva hopes to acquire new knowledge and skills to eventually become as successful as her mentors so she can give back in the future.

Mentoring

Along with the financial commitment, alumni are asked to dedicate a portion of their personal time to mentor at least one scholarship recipient. There is no defined amount of time required for the mentorship component; rather, the time commitment varies depending on the needs and interests of both the alumni mentor and the student mentee.

As a mentor, alumni are asked to:

• Assist the student mentee in establishing a career network
• Support the mentee's efforts to find an internship and employment
• Act as a role model by sharing personal experiences, successes and setbacks
• Provide general career guidance and encouragement

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Student Selection

The goal of the program is to give promising talent from emerging markets the opportunity to take control of their future - and the future of their home countries - with an education from Thunderbird. At the same time, they bring their insight, cultural experiences and broad worldview to the school, giving us access to their unique perspectives and adding to our diverse student body.

Exceptional students from developing countries, or disadvantaged students from developed countries, are considered for a SHARE Fellowship scholarship if they:

• Meet Thunderbird's general admissions requirements and have been offered admission by the Office of Admissions
• Meet the program's entering scholarship standards with regard to GMAT scores, undergraduate GPA, and relevant work experience
• Intend to return to their regions of origin in order to use their Thunderbird education to positively impact local economic development
• Demonstrate commitment and performance in other areas of endeavor

Since inception, the SHARE Fellowship funded scholarships for students from Zimbabwe, Ghana, Honduras, Vietnam, Peru, Jordan, Nepal, Tanzania, Colombia/Costa Rica, and Ukraine. These recipients had professional backgrounds in the nonprofit world, engineering, agriculture, accounting, marketing, and academia. Three recipients are Fulbright scholars and all have outstanding academic records and a history of community involvement.

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SHARE Fellowship Donors/Mentors

SHARE supporters are executives from multiple fields who represent a variety of class years, professional backgrounds, nationalities and countries of residence.

As of April 2011, more than $1.8 million has been committed - enough to fund over 20 full scholarships.

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