Testimonials

“With my father, my role model becoming extremely sick when I was 12, I used that struggle to make me smarter. With us being evicted at the age of 14, I was well aware that I had to succeed in school because it was like a life or death situation where failure was not an option.”

Raneen 209 Together Scholarship winner 2017, 2018, 2019

“I am the first of seven siblings and am proud to say that I am the first generation with plans to head off to college. I have a job in which I work about 25 hours a week… and extra curricular activities. Someone once said small steps in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest steps of your life… PE1 After not qualifying for financial aid, I was devastated. Initially I felt hopeless, but…the 209 Together scholarship gave me hope and reminded me to never give up.”

Aaliyah Henderson, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2017, 2020 renewal

“I knew college would be expensive, but hardly anyone talked about just how expensive…In the spring, I had less than ten dollars. So, you could imagine my relief to go to the bookstore and buy my books with the scholarship.”

Anahi Soto, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2019, 2002 renewal

“I have met people here in the top 1%, and hearing about the kinds of opportunities they had growing up, the programs and experiences they had, I am aware that I am coming from a different place. Being a low income Black man, I’m not the “conventional” Ivy league student, but I believe that my background makes me stronger, more determined, and more resilient than so many of my peers. I believe that my upbringing has driven me to do great things, and I am continually inspired by my community.”

Marquan Jones, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2016, 2019 renewal

“My second year of college took kind of a toll on me because I thought that I wouldn’t be able to come back to school due to finances. By the grace of God and the purity and love of others hearts, money was raised and given to me in order to help me get back in school. If it wasn’t for those blessings, I wouldn’t be writing this right now or be starting my third year of college…I will be forever grateful.”

Kiana Walker, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2017, 2019 renewal

“I had a 3.6 GPA my freshman year of high school, but during the year, my cousin was shot and killed…This tragedy affected greatly. I loved him so much…my grades began to slip and I started not to care. I managed to get back on track by joining a supportive organization, and now I look forward to stepping on my college campus this fall.”

Analyse Lefaire, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2018

“Although we are in the middle of a pandemic, I am still determined to succeed in my college career. Yes, they were plenty of negative emotions felt because I was not able to finish my freshman year on campus, but … I know with the education I am receiving now in school I will be able to help many in the future. So, I must continue receiving my college education and keep pushing towards success. “

Jazmyne Hayes, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2019, 2020 renewal

“Immediately after receiving the scholarship I went to pay off the balance on my tuition. In addition to the financial aid, I had to take out two loans to help pay for my tuition…I had less than a month to pay off nearly $650 in tuition and fees. Thankfully, the scholarship allowed for me to pay off the remaining balance.”

Michelle Munoz, 209 Together Scholarship winner: 2019 , 2020 renewal