University of New Haven Receives Transformational Donation to Support Female Students from Afghanistan

The University of New Haven announced today the establishment of the Afghan Women’s Scholars program.

This program, made possible by a generous seven-figure gift from Henrik Nielsen, will provide scholarship and financial assistance to 10 undergraduate and four graduate Afghan women enrolled in any of the University’s five academic colleges/schools. The program support will span the four-year tenure for undergraduate students and the two-year tenure for graduate students.

“Friends of mine approached me about the prospect of creating this pipeline program, and I was delighted to support it,” said Nielsen. “The impact this will have on the lives of these remarkable women is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing their stories unfold.”

"This transcendent theme of providing opportunities for better and brighter futures remains a key part of the can-do spirit of the University as well as a vital priority of the institution going forward." President Frederiksen

“This wonderful initiative arose through several individuals who have worked in and around the devastating crisis in Afghanistan, and their enduring commitment to provide opportunities for brighter futures,” said University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “We are so grateful for the support and so excited about this program.

“The University of New Haven’s focus on local students from all over the world, whose goals and perspectives are global, made this a natural partnership,” President Frederiksen continued. “We are doubling down on impact and opportunity for students here in Connecticut and across the globe.”

The University recently welcomed the second largest first-year class in its more than 100-year history and for the ninth consecutive year was featured in The Princeton Review’s list of the top colleges and universities in the country. The University is excited to grow its global community by creating the Afghan Women’s Scholars program.

The University of New Haven has a longstanding legacy of offering international programming and currently educates students from more than 70 countries.

“The far- and wide-ranging contributions of the University of New Haven have consistently reflected a deep understanding of and devotion to a better, brighter future,” said President Frederiksen. “This transcendent theme of providing opportunities remains a key part of the can-do spirit of the University as well as a vital priority of the institution going forward.”