Scholarships

Women's Scholarship, April 2012

Julie Santos (Academy of Art University - Downey, CA)
It was after her experiences in Haiti that Julie realized the world needed to see what she had witnessed—hope. It was a simple message and she was developing a way to frame it, but she needed the right education to fit everything together. As she put it, "there is a world of opportunities out there, the trick is learning how to connect need with resources." This time, we are able to provide the resources for Julie's need, as she pursues Web Design and New Media through Academy of Art University. Now that she's found the education, we're going to help her afford it.

Community College Scholarship, April 2012

Dawnlei Ben (Dine College - Ft. Defiance, AZ)
Dawnlei Hunter Ben is of the Naash’tezhi Ta’chiinii clan on the Navajo reservation in Arizona and has long witnessed the poverty and substance abuse that plague her community. Rather than acquiesce to despair, Dawnlei has dedicated herself to educating future generations and preserving her native language and culture. She will use her BA in Teacher Education through Diné College to help Navajo children discover their heritage and escape the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse.

Community College Scholarship, February 2012

Scott Schrock (Stark State College - Hartville, OH)

Scott Schrock's 22-foot fall marked a turning point in his life. He chose to change careers and pursue a field about which he was passionate. The nursing degree he is working to obtain through Stark State College will provide him with a valuable key to unlocking doors to higher medical service, a new career, and a more stable future for his family.

Women's Scholarship, February 2012

Michelle Varvaris (Chamberlain College of Nursing - Summit, IL)
Michelle Varvaris has worked in healthcare since she was seventeen and currently serves American Veterans as an LPN. After her fiance's health began to decline, Michelle realized advancing her career as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing was the best way to apply her passion and talents while earning more to support her family.

Women's Scholarship, January 2012

Crystal Urrutia (Front Range Community College - Broomfield, CO)

After being laid off from her shipping and receiving job of 10 years, Crystal is looking to start a brand new career in Criminal Justice as a victim's advocate--specifically by helping teens recovering from abuse. As she puts it, "...these kids would benefit from having someone to talk to or just listen to and feel that they are not alone and have others who can help them begin heal and rebuild there lives." 

Community College Scholarship, January 2012

Ebony Covington (Long Beach City College - Long Beach, CA)

Ebony Covington has focused her intrinsic need to help others into success as an aspiring nurse. She has endured hardship and tragedy, but she continues to exemplify the strength and determination necessary to not only persevere in her academic career, but provide an inspiration to others. “I continue to believe that hard work is the foundation on which our country was founded, and although hard work may not guarantee my success—I know that I will not achieve success without hard work.” - Ebony Covington

Community College Scholarship, Winter 2011

Carl Finkbeiner (Lawson State - Bessemer, AL)

Carl Finkbeiner is currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA and working toward an Associate of Arts Degree in Business at Lawson State Community College. While he is returning to school after a nearly four-decade hiatus, Carl’s education has included the world beyond the classroom. “Having fallen from a secure place in life, I am filled with wonder as I am assisted and pointed back towards my dream...and I learned that it takes active participation to help others, and to encourage others to help me.” - Carl Finkbeiner

Women's Scholarship, Winter 2011

Molly O'Brien (Front Range Community College - Erie, CO)

Molly O’Brien is pursuing medical training through Fort Range Community College with the goal of completing a Radiation Therapy program. As a single mother, Molly has endured family tragedy to rebuild the life she lost and provide a safe and stable life for her daughters. Now she’s exemplifying boot-strap perseverance by excelling in an education track with intensive work loads. “I sincerely look forward to a new start, putting my intelligence and energy into the noble cause of helping to fight cancer and the unfortunate inflicted with the disease.” - Molly O'Brien

Women's Scholarship, Fall 2011

Jere Coolidge (Macomb Community College - Poer Huron, MI)

Jere Coolidge used to feel that going to college seemed just out of reach. Now she is pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy at Macomb Community College. She emphasizes the importance of occupational therapy and explains, “occupational therapy helps people to see the possibilities in their life with respect to remediating or compensating for their disabilities. This degree means that someday soon I will be able to contribute to my family's financial stability while doing something I love, and the bonus is that I get to help people!”

Community College Scholarship, Fall 2011

Ritty Samreth (Minneapolis Community & Technical College - Richfield , MN)

Ritty Samreth is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Mathematics and Business Management. His two-year tenure at Minneapolis Community & Technical College is preparing him for his ultimate career goal as an Actuary. Ritty says of his lofty ambitions, “I am setting my foundation. I feel that I am being equipped with the necessary tools for success, not only in my educational pursuits, but in life. I know that this experience will create opportunities.”

Community College Scholarship, Fall 2011

John Saylors (Lawson State Community College - Double Springs, AL)

A former Emergency Medical Technician in the Army National Guard during operation Desert Storm/Fix and later a professional truck driver, John Saylors is now back in school to start a career in warranty work, general maintenance, and specialized services. He says “the love, support and side work from my friends and family has value that I sometimes have trouble quantifying but no longer recognizing. Having to start over and learn a new trade has been difficult and humbling. In the long run it will be worth it and so am I.”

Study Abroad Scholarship, Summer 2011

Kelsey Schwenk (University of Delaware - Newark, DE)

Kelsey is a Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences major at the University of Delaware. This Winter, she plans to travel to Tanzania to participate in a wildlife conservation program focused on the “real, practical challenges involved in wildlife conservation.” While studying abroad, Kelsey will be staying with two indigenous hunter-gatherer societies – an arrangement that will require her to sustainably live from the land.

Community College Scholarship, Summer 2011

Vanessa Moreno (Long Beach City College - Long Beach, CA)
Vanessa Moreno is currently enrolled at Long Beach City College. After six years of military service with the US Army, Vanessa moved to California to start a new chapter in her life. She says of her academic endeavors, ”I hope to open my eyes to lessons and opportunity I never knew existed. I hope to finish community college then transfer to a University and achieve my Bachelor degree. I want to be proud of what I have accomplished in this life. I feel with a degree I will achieve that personal goal.”

Study Abroad Scholarship, Summer 2011

Jennifer Talbott (University of Chicago - Chicago, IL)

Jennifer is a comparative human development major at the University of Chicago. She recently enrolled in a study abroad program based in Pune, India. While overseas, she will study the Hindi language, as well as the culture and economics of India. With plans to enroll in the Peace Corps after graduation and then attend medical school, Jennifer is looking forward to a study abroad experience that will take her out of her comfort zone.

Study Abroad Scholarship, Spring 2011

Sadaf Hasan (Bard College - Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)

Sadaf Hasan plans to study abroad at the American University in Beirut, Lebanon where she will be taking classes in Arabic, international relations, and political theory. On her trip, Sadaf also hopes to participate in a part-time internship/volunteer position that will enable her to work with displaced Palestinians. She says of the project, "I would like to further explore refugee rights after I graduate and see Arabic fluency as a necessary skill...I hope to pursue a career in public policy or law...and to advance policies that work towards championing the ideals of asylum law."

Community College Scholarship, Spring 2011

Chansopava Srey (Long Beach City College - Long Beach, CA)

Chansopava Srey is the first person in her family to attend college and has been pleased with her experiences at Long Beach City College thus far. Chansopava plans to study psychology and eventually transfer into California State University of Long Beach to pursue her bachelor's degree and eventually, a doctorate for psychology. She says of her academic pursuits, "Above all, I want to...become a guidance for another person through their life problems, whether they are mental, physical, or emotional problems."

Community College Scholarship, Fall 2010

Cliffette Longford (Shelton State Community College - Tuscaloosa, AL)

Cliffette Longford currently attends Shelton State Community College. She has worked as a personal care aid for 7 years and is pursuing a career in nursing. Cliffette hopes to teach her two children that they can do anything they set their mind to. She also said of her career path, "I know that by becoming a nurse I will be able to help so many people."

Community College Scholarship, Summer 2010

Destiny Hellman (Sinclair Community College - Dayton, OH)

Destiny Hellman is the first person in her family to attend college and has been thrilled with her experiences at Sinclair Community College thus far. She currently has plans to graduate in 2011 with a degree in aviation technology. Destiny says of her major choice, "I have always had a strong passion for space and aviation...I am getting myself prepared for a career that I have only dreamed of attaining."

Study Abroad Scholarship, Summer 2010

Meghan Von Tersch (Portland State University - Portland, OR)

Meghan Von Tersch plans to study abroad in Kolkata, India for the service-learning program. Her study abroad program will allow her to volunteer 25 hours a week at the Mother Theresa Rehabilitation Center, a home for abandoned children. She says of the program, "I chose this program because it will teach me to be selfless, it will force me to break out of my own boring cultural bubble, and it will test everything about myself."

Community College Scholarship, Spring 2010

Katie Pollock (Salt Lake Community College - Sandy, UT)

Katie Pollock graduated from high school in 2009 and promptly enrolled in Salt Lake Community College. Thus far, she has loved the experience of attending SLCC, from the small class sizes to the accessible campus and teachers. Recently, Katie finished the certified nursing assistant program the school offers. She hopes to continue on this path and become a psychiatric nurse, a field which will allow her to work with the mentally ill.

Study Abroad Scholarship, Spring 2010

Lindsay Lange (Johns Hopkins School of Public Health - test, TN)

In her quest to obtain a Master's in Health Sciences from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Lindsay will be interning with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Sierra Leone. She says of the program, "This is an excellent opportunity to help, learn, and grow, and also to make connections with individuals and organizations that might lead to a career after graduation."

Study Abroad Scholarship, Fall 2009

Harrison O'Conner (Evergreen State College - Olympia, WA)

Harrison O'Connor will be studying in the Sacred Valley in the Andes of Peru during the Spring of 2010. While there, Harrison hopes to address the global food crisis currently plaguing much of the country through working with the non-profit organization Campesino a Campesino. While attending Evergreen State College, Harrison has been studying subjects concerning globalization and its effects on different communities and states: "This comprehensive and focused learning has culminated in my trip abroad and I am fully prepared and ready."