Funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GMS was established in 1999, as a twenty year commitment, to provide greater access and opportunity to higher education for outstanding students from underrepresented backgrounds (1,000 selected each year; 20,000 in 20 year commitment). The program promotes academic excellence and encourages students to pursue and complete an undergraduate education in all discipline areas and graduate education for those students pursuing studies in computer science, mathematics, life/physical science, engineering, education, public health, library science and/or information science. GMS supports its scholars in a variety of ways including but not limited to personal, leadership and professional development opportunities, networking and mentorships opportunities, as well as financial and academic support to prepare its scholars to be the next leaders in their professions and communities.