Irving A. Fradkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irving A. Fradkin
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Headshot of Irving A. Fradkin
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| Born | March 28, 1921 Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | November 19, 2016 (aged 95) |
| Alma mater | New England College of Optometry |
| Occupation | Optometrist |
| Title | Founder and President Emeritus, Scholarship America |
| Spouse(s) |
Charlotte Fradkin
(m. 1946) |
Irving A. Fradkin (born March 28, 1921 – died November 19, 2016) was an eye doctor, also known as an optometrist. He was the person who started and led an organization called Scholarship America. This group helps students pay for college.
People sometimes called Fradkin the "Johnny Appleseed" of college scholarships. This is because he helped so many students get money for their education. His important work was even shown on national TV and supported by the government.
Since it began, Scholarship America has given out over $3.7 billion. This money has helped 2.3 million students with scholarships and other school support. The organization says it is the largest non-profit group in the U.S. that helps with private scholarships.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Irving Fradkin was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of seven children. His parents were immigrants from Russia. He studied at the Massachusetts College of Optometry in Boston. This school is now called the New England College of Optometry.
In 1943, Fradkin borrowed $700 from his father. He used this money to open his first eye doctor's office. It was located in Fall River, Massachusetts. He married his wife, Charlotte, in 1946.
Starting Scholarship America
In 1957, Fradkin ran for the school committee in Fall River. He wanted the community to help local students pay for college. Even though he was not elected, he still wanted to make his idea happen.
In 1958, he started the first part of what he later called "Dollars for Scholars." He asked everyone in his community to give at least one dollar. This money would help young people go to college. He felt that helping kids get an education was his way of giving back to the country.
Official Charter and Growth
On May 15, 1961, Scholarship America officially became a non-profit group. Its first name was "Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America." At that time, the foundation had "Dollars for Scholars" groups in eleven cities. These were all in the New England area.
Important magazines like Time, Reader's Digest, and Saturday Review wrote about the organization. This helped more people learn about it. By 2016, the group had given $3.5 billion to 2.2 million students. These students were from all over the U.S.
Irving Fradkin stopped being actively involved in scholarship work when he was 92. However, he continued to support higher education. He also kept supporting Scholarship America. He passed away on November 19, 2016, at his home in Fall River.
Awards and Recognition
Irving Fradkin received many awards for his success with Scholarship America. These honors came from both local and national groups. Some of his awards include:
- 1998 Allan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award from NASFAA
- Isaiah Avila Award for “Uncommon Common Man”
- Schow-Donnelly Service Before Self Award
- Recognition from the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives
- 2010 “Champion for College Access” Award from NCAN
- Finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s “Citizen Service Before Self” award
- An honorary doctorate from his old school, New England College of Optometry
- An honorary doctorate from Stonehill College
Media Attention
Irving Fradkin's work was featured in the media. In September 2012, CNNMoney called him a leader. They said he helped make college more affordable. This was part of their "Money Heroes" series.
In October 2013, Katie Couric featured Fradkin on her TV talk show, Katie. She recognized his life's work with Scholarship America. Katie Couric's first book, The Best Advice I Ever Got, also included a message from Fradkin. The money from her book sales was given to Scholarship America.
Fradkin appeared on Katie again in May 2014. He was there with Lauren Segal, the President and CEO of Scholarship America. They announced the first winners of the organization's Dream Award.
Books Written
- The Autobiography of Dr. Irving A. Fradkin, Founder; Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc. with Michael J. Vieira (2002, Branden Books; ISBN: 0-8283-2080-2)
