Maclin Endowment Fund

Improving the Student Experience

Traditional financial aid helps cover the larger costs, like tuition. But aid doesn’t typically provide for any of the many small, unforeseen costs that arise between matriculation and graduation.

The vision of Valecia Maclin, Class of 1992, was to create a fund to help ensure no eligible Pratt School of Engineering undergraduate should miss out on educational growth because of costs not covered by financial aid.

Undergraduates and graduate students head to class and socialize with friends during FDOC (First Day of Classes) on Duke’s West Campus.
Students play a stacking game outdoors at Duke University
Second-year masters students Niral Shah (computer engineering), Neel Shah (mechanical engineering) and Hailee Patel (biomedical engineering) play a game of Jenga during RecFest, a free carnival-style blowout event hosted by Duke Recreation and Physical Education at Wilson Recreation Center with food, vendor exhibits, inflatables, a dunk tank, and a live DJ.

Covering Unexpected Costs

The fund supports academic and professional needs that remain after available discounts and fee waivers. Students with the highest financial need, as determined by Duke’s Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support, receive priority.

Our support is aimed at Duke student members of the National Society of Black Engineers but is available to any Pratt School of Engineering student receiving financial aid.

What the Funds Covers

This is not a complete list of how we can help. Contact us with your education-related request.

Grad School Prep

We help with exam prep materials and application fees for graduate, professional or medical school.

Travel

Being there matters. We support travel expenses that enable research conference presentations and networking at qualified professional society meetings.

Professional Attire

Appearance is important. Look the part through funding for suits and similar business dress.

Device Repairs

Have a computer issue that directly impacts academics? We’re here to help.

Apply to the Maclin Fund

Please make your request at least one week before desired use.

Contact Us

The Maclin Endowment Fund is administered by the Pratt School of Engineering’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Committee.

Quiana Tyson Profile Photo
Quiana Tyson Profile Photo

Quiana Tyson

Assistant Director, DEI Programs & Initiatives; Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community