The Way Out Fund

The Way Out Fund provides Berea’s students with the financial support they need to accept internship opportunities without the fear of accumulating debt. This unique fund seeks to explicitly remove the financial barriers that a Berea student will face making these hands-on experiences affordable for all students. The Way Out Fund was established by Scott, Robin, Collin, and Creighton Caldwell to help cover the costs that might prevent an excellent student from pursuing a life-changing opportunity.

Layla was offered an internship supporting one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. The opportunity required her to move to an on-site location and would have resulted in $4,000 in out-of-pocket expenses:

Our continuing commitment is to help each student progress toward a degree while developing the skills, knowledge, and habits necessary for success and fulfillment. Participation in high-impact learning opportunities such as internships is key to realizing our commitment. Internships are linked to increases in graduation rates and lead to richer educational experiences that move students forward on their chosen career paths.

But internships, many of which are unpaid, present a significant financial burden for Berea’s students. Expenses such as travel, room and board, as well as professional business attire can put internships out of reach.

Your gift to The Way Out Fund—a true career and connectivity catalyst—makes you a part of our students’ success