by Rafael Pena
March 21, 2024
Christopher Grey, founding father of the Scholly app, made an look on ‘Shark Tank’ 9 years after his preliminary splash on this system.
Christopher Grey, founding father of the scholarship app Scholly, lately made a return look on the TV actuality present Shark Tank 9 years after he made his first splash on this system, based on Forbes. The replace showcased Grey’s firm’s achievements and in addition unveiled vital scholarship bulletins.
“We’re excited to be on the present once more,” expressed Grey, who mirrored on his journey since launching Scholly.
Final yr, schooling lender SLM Corp, generally generally known as Sallie Mae, acquired Scholly’s key belongings for an undisclosed sum. The app has since been rebranded as Scholly by Sallie.
The Shark Tank replace was filmed at Bayside Excessive Faculty in Queens, NY, the place Daymond John, one of many Shark Tank judges and an investor in Scholly, introduced $10,000 scholarships to seniors Giselle Rodriguez and Amir Theodile. The scholarships are supported by the Sallie Mae Fund, Sallie Mae’s charitable basis.
Donna Vieira, EVP and chief industrial officer at Sallie Mae, introduced a $1 million dedication from the Sallie Mae Fund to the Thurgood Marshall Faculty Fund. Their Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program goals to help college students from underserved communities by means of varied scholarships, addressing monetary hurdles that always hinder commencement.
Grey’s imaginative and prescient for Scholly stemmed from his personal expertise as a scholarship recipient, the place he secured $1.3 million to attend Drexel College. He leveraged his insights into creating Scholly, which has facilitated entry to non-public scholarship alternatives, serving to greater than 5 million customers and producing $30 million in revenues since its inception.
Grey’s authentic Shark Tank look was met with skepticism from some judges, who questioned the philanthropic nature of the mission. Nonetheless, John and fellow investor Lori Greiner noticed its potential, investing $40,000 for a 15% stake within the firm.
Reflecting on his resolution to take a position, John highlighted the spectacular return on his funding and emphasised its success.
Grey’s journey from scholarship recipient to entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative energy of schooling. His dedication to leveling the taking part in area for fellow college students continues to drive Scholly’s mission of accessibility and alternative in larger schooling.
