Academic Services

Support the MKTYP

To support the MKTYP with a gift, please visit our Giving Opportunities page to make a gift using our secure online giving form. Questions? Email ruthmaffa@brandeis.edu for assistance.

Here is a message to contribute to the MKTYP from Steve Tradd TYP alum ‘69 and Brandeis ’74 who donated $50,000 last year.

 “I was a TYP student in ‘69-70 after spending 2 summers in the Upward Bound program in the Ridgewood Quad. I graduated from Brandeis in 1974. I loved my whole experience in both programs and thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Brandeis. I played lacrosse for 4 years and was a captain of the team. I grew up in South Boston and was way behind academically, and had never heard of lacrosse, which at the time wasn’t a sport in the inner city.

At first, I was like a fish out of water because every experience at Brandeis was new to me. I had never been in such an environment before, and very rarely ever left Boston. The experience undoubtedly changed my life in so many ways, and who knows what would have happened if Carolyn (I don’t remember her last name) hadn’t come to South Boston High looking for students to admit to the Upward Bound program back in 1968.

I’m recently retired now and I live a life I never imagined or experienced growing up with a divorced mother who got financial support from AFDC, and raised 3 little kids in the D St. housing projects in the 50’s and 60’s.

Again, the TYP and Upward Bound gave me a tremendous opportunity that did not otherwise exist. My gift is simply to thank them for this and to give the same opportunity to others in similar situations.

I think it is important to share and participate in Giving DeisDay because I hope it will incentivize others to give, seeing that those who were TYP scholarship recipients have had success and are giving back. This may also provide validation that the TYP and other programs provide value. I know many Brandeis alumni are generous and willing to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

This is just one story out of the many 1000s who have been impacted by the Myra Kraft TYP. Won’t you please give a donation so that we can continue the legacy of the TYP! You can give to the MKTYP endowed scholarship or in loving memory to the Tony Williams TYP endowed scholarship, in honor of our beloved former program director.

We’d love to hear from you so please tell us your story on our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn page or ask any questions to mktyp@brandeis.edu Or ruthmaffa@brandeis.edu.

TYP Alumni Network

Hello and thank you for reading about upcoming events and news on the MKTYP! Please fill out the Alumni Network form in order to be added to our ongoing TYP Alumni Network listserv for future opportunities to support our scholars. If you have any further questions or feedback, please contact the MKTYP's Grad Asst. Agnes Nkansah at mktyp@brandeis.edu.

Tony Williams Memorial Endowed TYP Scholarship

Established in 2007 to honor Tony Williams, the beloved longtime director of Brandeis’ acclaimed Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program (MKTYP), this scholarship supports intelligent and talented undergraduate students who typically have not had access to rigorous college-preparatory courses in their previous schooling experiences through this program.

The Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program is an integral part of the university’s founding and enduring commitment to social justice. Founded in 1968, the MKTYP is a one-year academic program for students who have developed the skills for college success by practicing leadership in their life experiences.

Tony Williams was the beloved longtime director of Brandeis’ acclaimed Transitional Year Program (TYP). Williams came to Brandeis as assistant dean of students in 1969. Later he was appointed director of TYP, put in charge of a pioneering initiative that gives outstanding individuals their first real chance to pursue a rigorous university education. He retired as director in 2004 and passed away in 2007. Over his tenure, he definitely left a legacy.

As all great teachers understand, Williams knew that some of the most enduring lessons have little to do with subject matter. “With Mr. Williams, it wasn't just about academics,” said Pedro Pontes ’00, a MKTYP student during the 1995-1996 academic year. “He taught us so much more than that. He taught important life lessons.”

Marvin J. and Lorna E. Gilmore Endowed TYP Scholarship

Marvin Gilmore, honored World War II veteran, African American business trailblazer, humanitarian, and longtime leader of the nonprofit Community Development Corporation of Boston, musician, and family man established the Gilmore Scholarship in 2011 to support MKTYP students. Brandeis thanks Gilmore’s contributions as both a philanthropist/benefactor and a crucial role model to students in the school’s MKTYP, founded to help students from underserved populations thrive in a rigorous college environment.

The Golden Summer Opportunities Grant Program

The Golden Summer Opportunity Grant Program extends the opportunity afforded to students during the academic year to summer endeavors. In addition to providing a chance to pursue their passions for learning, the Golden Summer Opportunity Grant Program also allows students to explore career goals and opportunities that their peers typically pursue as unpaid internships or study abroad to prepare for graduate school or the job market after graduation.

Erika J. Smith Technology Fund

The Erika J. Smith Technology Fund provides funds for technology, computers, and/or software for our first-year scholars. This fund helps address the digital divide that many of our BIPOC and low-income students experience because they may not have access to technology and/or computers.

These are just some of the many ways that you can support the Myra Kraft TYP. Won’t you please give a donation of your time, talents, or treasure so that we can continue the great legacy of the TYP!