“I realized what a bubble I was living in,” Alterman said. “I made a promise to help others.”
That promise became The Scholarship Fund.
For more than 23 years, Alterman led the nonprofit organization, helping highly motivated North Texas students pursue college, graduate school, technical training and new careers. During that time, The Scholarship Fund awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships, helping more than 100 students continue their education and pursue opportunities they might otherwise have been unable to afford.
Then came cancer. After more than two decades devoted to helping others pursue their dreams, Alterman received a devastating cancer diagnosis. As treatment became his priority, he was forced to step away from the organization that had become his life's work. Without his active leadership, The Scholarship Fund eventually ceased operations.
But Alterman's story—and his mission—was not over.
Today, Alterman is in remission. And he is leading a dedicated group of supporters in launching The (New) Scholarship Fund, renewing his commitment to creating educational opportunities for students whose ambition exceeds their financial resources. And, he has recruited experienced nonprofit leader, Fayth Jefferson, as the new CEO.
“I consider this my life's work,” Alterman said. “I don't have any particular skills or talents, and I have often wondered what I would do without my education. I feel this is my legacy. That's why I want to build this organization—to make sure it will live after me and continue helping people in the future.”
Mission in Action – Student Success Stories
The Scholarship Fund began with one realization: talent and determination are not always enough when the cost of education stands in the way. Since its founding, the organization has helped students from diverse backgrounds pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education.
“Many people wouldn’t have given me a chance at my age and with my history of drug abuse, but The Scholarship Fund did, allowing me to show my daughter that hard work and diligence do pay off.”
–Benjamin Ramirez, shipping and receiving supervisor, and student
“If not for a timely award from The Scholarship Fund, I could have become a victim of circumstance like so many others—a person fully capable of earning a college degree and becoming successful, but unable to afford the education.”
– Richard Lavallais, systems engineer and technical assistance contractor, Office of Naval Research
“Not only did The Scholarship Fund give me financial assistance, but they also provided me with a mentor who encouraged me to stay with it, to never quit. She was so right!”
– Cindy Rosales, staffing specialist in human resources
Now, those stories - and the lives of future students - are driving Alterman forward once again. The relaunch of The Scholarship Fund represents more than the return of a nonprofit organization. It is the continuation of a promise made more than 20 years ago during a chance conversation over lunch.
The Scholarship Fund provides grants to highly motivated students pursuing part-time or full-time undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education. The organization supports students across all fields of study and at every stage of higher education. Its mission is to help remove financial barriers that prevent motivated individuals from pursuing, continuing and completing their education.
By reducing some of the financial burdens associated with earning a degree or professional credential, The Scholarship Fund seeks to increase educational access, opportunity and success for underserved and highly motivated individuals throughout the North Texas community.
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