Ethereum is a block chain currency technology with smart contract functionality that allows a coded contract to be performed with a subsequent release of funds. Donors could in theory create a contract for a recruit that upon signing with a school release money to said individual or other party.
In the old days poker chips would be dropped off at the recruits house who could then take to a casino for cash. This has a lot of risk because there is no guarantee the recruit will sign, usually a paper trail, etc. Now anyone in the world could send one email and release millions of dollars upon an action without anyone knowing. Furthermore instead of converting the Ether into cash you could buy things directly in that currency avoiding a paper trail.