Scholarship Sponsor Q&A: Expanding Ancestry's HistoryMakers Scholarship for 2025-26

Ancestry is the world’s largest family history company, and their HistoryMakers Scholarship program is undergoing an exciting expansion in 2025-26. For the first time since its establishment, the program is open to students at select universities in the United Kingdom, in addition to partner schools in the United States.

Scholarship America is proud to administer this growing program, which is open for applications through October 23. We spoke to Glen Todd III, Talent Attraction Lead at Ancestry (and a first-generation college graduate himself) about Ancestry’s inspiration for sponsoring a scholarship and its impact on students and communities around the globe.

Scholarship America (SA): What inspired Ancestry to create and invest in a scholarship as a part of the company’s larger corporate responsibility program?

Glen Todd III (GT): At Ancestry, our mission is to help every person discover, preserve, and share the story of what led to them. As a cutting-edge tech company with a very human mission, our scholarship helps to create tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and storytellers who will carry history forward in new and meaningful ways. Our technology allows us to connect people to their families, their stories, and their futures. We established the HistoryMakers Scholarship in 2022 because we see education as one of the most powerful tools for equity and empowerment which align with our corporate responsibility.

SA: For the first time this year, you expanded the HistoryMakers program to the United Kingdom, inviting applications from students at Queen Mary University, University of Westminster, University of Greenwich, and City St. George’s, University of London. What led to this change?

GT: Expanding the HistoryMakers program to the United Kingdom was a natural next step in our mission to empower the next generation of innovators. The UK is home to a vibrant, diverse student population, and it also represents a significant part of Ancestry’s global footprint with many of our employees based there. We wanted to extend opportunities beyond the U.S. and open doors for more students who share our passion for history, discovery, and innovation. By partnering with these universities, we’re not only supporting students academically but also strengthening the connections between cultures and communities across borders.

SA: As a part of this program, you visit eligible colleges and universities. What have been some of the highlights from this year’s tour?

GT: Meeting students face-to-face has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of this program! It’s where the energy, curiosity, and ambition of the next generation come to life. As a first gen college graduate myself, I relate to their journey and the importance of having support along the way. This year, we’re embracing a virtual approach, which allows us to reach more students than before. Through resume workshops, LinkedIn coaching, and career readiness sessions led by our Global Talent Acquisition team, as well as panel discussions with our engineers and product leaders, we’re giving students both the inspiration and tools they need to take that critical next step in their careers.

SA: How does the HistoryMakers scholarship support Ancestry’s broader corporate goals?

GT: The HistoryMakers scholarship is a vital part of our commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking workplace and world. By supporting students at academic institutions with a shared interest in supporting and investing in students from underrepresented communities, we are cultivating future talent pipelines in technology, data science, and beyond, while also ensuring that the voices shaping tomorrow reflect the richness of our global community. The HistoryMakers National Scholarship program isn’t just about financial support; it’s about aligning our values with action and making a lasting impact on both individuals and the industries we serve.

SA: What’s your number one piece of advice for students considering applying?

GT: My advice would be simple: count yourself in, not out. Too often, students talk themselves out of opportunities before they even try. Remember Wayne Gretzky’s famous words: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Just give yourself the chance! And of course, don’t forget to proofread.