The Sean Anderson Foundation has committed $25,000 to establish an endowment for the Wayne State University HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) Program. The funds will be used to provide short-term support to Wayne State students experiencing homelessness or precarious housing situations.

The endowed gift is an example of recording artist Big Sean's commitment to improving the quality of life of young people. A native Detroiter, Big Sean established the Sean Anderson Foundation to provide better opportunities for those in need.

"We see the HIGH Program as an important component of ensuring success at Wayne State, and we are proud to help strengthen its mission," said Myra Anderson, president of the foundation and Sean's mother. "We aim to boost graduation rates at the university by providing support to students facing hardship."

Wayne State's First Lady Jacqueline Wilson founded the HIGH Program in 2013 when she met a Wayne State student who had experienced homelessness while attending school. Reports indicate student homelessness is a nationwide issue, and Wilson's program offers a strategic response to this issue at Wayne State. Students in the HIGH Program receive short-term assistance with the goal of returning students to long-term stability and helping them complete their degree.

"The Sean Anderson Foundation's investment in the HIGH Program shows their commitment to assisting those in need," said Wilson. "With this gift, we will be able to help Wayne State students who are experiencing homelessness work toward a brighter future."

More information about Wayne State's HIGH Program can be found at highprogram.wayne.edu.

About the Sean Anderson Foundation
The Sean Anderson Foundation was founded in 2012 by recording artist Big Sean. Sean's vision is to improve the quality of life for young people and their families. The foundation accomplishes this by partnering with other established organizations, by sponsoring its own educational seminars, and by providing avenues for supplemental educational, cultural, health and recreational programs.

About the HIGH Program
The HIGH Program was founded in 2013 to address student homelessness at Wayne State University. The vision of the HIGH Program is a university community where no student must choose between higher education and survival. The mission of the program is to support students who struggle to balance their Wayne State University studies with meeting life's most basic needs of food, shelter and childcare.

(June 9, 2016)