On Saturday, September 12, 2026, The Institute for Health and Social Equity will mark a decade of advancing equity through health and education at our 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala — hosted at the University of Maryland, College Park.
This milestone evening celebrates the educators, advocates, and communities who have shaped our first ten years — and honors the next generation of leaders through the presentation of our scholarships and Signature Awards.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 Cocktail Reception: 5:00 PM Program: 6:00 PM Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
A Decade of Impact
Ten years ago, The Institute was founded on the belief that zip code should never determine access — to education, to healthcare, or to opportunity. Since then, we’ve built scholarship pathways into nursing, STEM, and public service for students from communities that have faced barriers to opportunity. We’ve supported scholars, partnered with educators, and worked across sectors to expand the workforce that serves our communities.
The Gratitude Gala is where we pause to celebrate that work — and where we invest in the decade ahead.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite organizations and individuals to stand alongside us as sponsors of this anniversary celebration. Sponsorship directly supports the full mission of The Institute, including our scholarship programs, the Workforce Futures™ initiative, and the operational foundation that sustains them.
Six sponsorship tiers are available, with benefits scaled to each level of partnership:
- Founders Circle — $15,000+
- Principal Partners — $10,000
- Pathway Builder — $7,500
- Opportunity Catalysts — $3,500
- Community Allies — $1,500
- Supporter Circle — Under $1,000
All sponsors receive recognition on our Gala Donor Wall, inclusion in our annual impact report, and visibility across event communications.
View the full sponsorship packet: [INSERT SPONSORSHIP PACKET LINK]
Become a Sponsor or Get Involved
To discuss sponsorship or secure your level, contact Dr. Sherri Johnson directly at drsherri@institute4equity.org.
Ticket information will be available soon. To stay updated, follow us on social media or visit institute4equity.org.