Irving A. Fradkin

Irving A. Fradkin

Irving A. Fradkin (March 28, 1921 – November 19, 2016) was an American optometrist and the founder of Scholarship America, a nonprofit organization that supports students getting into and graduating from college. Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Fradkin envisioned a community where every child could have the opportunity to attend college regardless of their financial situation. His idea, initially called "Dollars for Scholars," began in 1958 in Fall River, Massachusetts, and has since grown into the nation's largest private scholarship and educational support organization, Scholarship America.

Early Life and Education

Irving A. Fradkin was born to immigrant parents and grew up understanding the value of education from an early age. Despite the financial hardships his family faced, he pursued higher education, earning a degree in optometry. This personal journey fueled his passion for making education accessible to all, leading to his lifelong commitment to helping others achieve their educational goals.

Career

After completing his education, Fradkin worked as an optometrist in Fall River, Massachusetts. However, his career took a significant turn when he decided to address the financial barriers that prevented many talented and deserving students from pursuing higher education. In 1958, he proposed that if every citizen in his community donated just a dollar to a scholarship fund, it would be enough to help every local student attend college. This simple yet revolutionary idea marked the beginning of Dollars for Scholars, which later evolved into Scholarship America.

Under Fradkin's leadership, Scholarship America has distributed billions of dollars in scholarships to millions of students, making it a pivotal force in expanding access to higher education in the United States. Fradkin's vision and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his life.

Legacy

Irving A. Fradkin's legacy is a testament to the power of community and the belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial background. His work has not only helped individuals achieve their educational and professional goals but has also emphasized the importance of community support in overcoming barriers to higher education.

Scholarship America continues to thrive, adhering to Fradkin's original mission of mobilizing America, through scholarships and educational support, to make postsecondary success possible for all students. His innovative approach to funding education has inspired similar initiatives across the country and around the world.

Death

Irving A. Fradkin passed away on November 19, 2016, at the age of 95. His passing was mourned by many who recognized his contributions to education and the opportunities he created for countless individuals. His vision lives on through the ongoing work of Scholarship America and the countless students it continues to support.