Jeyla Brown is from Texas. She lived there the majority of her life with her half siblings and mother. Although there were bumps in the road, Jeyla always stayed on…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Jada stands up, fidgeting her hands back and forth. “I want to be an artist!” Fifth grade Jada smiles, satisfied…

Rusty Fields is an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly self-motivated individual who consistently seeks new opportunities to learn and grow. His burning desire and passion for becoming a neurosurgeon are equally…

Austen Roberson was raised in Columbia, MD., between Baltimore and Washington DC. He attends Howard High School in Ellicott City where he ranks first in his class of 407 students.…

Though born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kiara hails from over half-a-dozen states — including Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, and North Carolina.  The product of an adventurous single mother, Kiara has learned…

Born halfway around the world in Japan but raised in rural Southwest Louisiana, Marcus Shallow grew up surrounded by a family determined to create a better future, one centered on…

Sara is a senior at Princeton University studying Economics. She will graduate in 2021.  

Cameron Smith was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. He is the only child of two working class parents. He saw his parents work long hours yet continue to live…

Keylonnie Miller was born in May 5th, 1999 in Tampa, Florida. While growing up, Keylonnie has had to cope with many family challenges. Her mother struggled with drug abuse her…

Brooke Solomon is an activist and organizer from Detroit, Michigan graduating from the historic Lewis Cass Technical High School. Full throttle describes freshman year, as Brooke joined BuildOn , a…

John Okhiulu is currently pursuing two degrees from Stanford University: one in African and African American Studies and one in Human Biology. Born and raised in Oakcliff (a large, low-income area…

Growing up in a poor, African-American migrant community, where there were few role models and socio-economic opportunities were sparse, Brandon Staple, a gifted student and soccer-prodigy, was pursued by the…

Jerry Registre is a dedicated scholar, tenacious young man, and compassionate individual. He was born in Haiti, immigrated to the United States at 6 years old, and raised by a…

At a young age, Chase learned the value of diligence from her parents who instilled within her the principles of resilience, leadership, and self-confidence. To this day, Chase still strives…

Anthony Joel Rucker was born to Keith and Joetta on November 8, 1998. He grew up, primarily, in homeless shelters while moving back and forth between his divorced mother and…

Caecilius Statius, a Roman playwright, once said “he plants trees to benefit another generation.” This value is at the core of all Betel does. As an Ethiopian immigrant, she has…

Rebecca Schmitt was born in Atlanta, Georgia. However, she spent most of her formative years in South Florida. Her parents divorced following domestic violence. After years of probation, Rebecca’s father…

As a child, Evon spent his early years in the rural community of Red Ground, Jamaica. Growing up with limited resources, Evon recognized the importance of education in escaping poverty…

Saaya Sugiyama-Spearman is a student, musician, mentor, daughter, sister, and friend. Her life has been defined by her tenacity to overcome the biggest of obstacles, all with a smile. The…

Christian Tingle grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where he currently attends duPont Manual High School. He was raised by his mother, Cassie--when he was eight years old, his stepfather, Joseph,…

"Each One Teach One" is an enriching 19th century African American proverb that has had a profound impact on Alexander Tekle’s life. When an enslaved person learned to read, it…

auren Tucker, of Wheatley Heights, NY, is a rising sophomore at Harvard College in Cambridge, MA. Lauren is a Neuroscience concentrator on the pre-med track and plans to obtain a…

Frelicia Tucker is a rising sophomore at Princeton University. She is interested in completing a concentration in Computer Science with a certificate in African American Studies. After being a 3…

“Nothing is more meaningful to me than my access to education, and bringing the things I value in my life to others.”As the cornerstone of what drives Makenna Turner is…

Growing up in a family of six, Quan often felt he was cast aside. In addition, only one person in the family had a vehicle, so his extracurricular responsibilities were…

Kristopher Wallen was born to immigrant parents in Miami, Florida, before moving to Coral Springs at a young age. From the start, he had a deep curiosity for pushing the…

An activist and future scientist, Miriam Wahid cites her perspective and passion as her most formative traits. Miriam’s parents, home community, and educational experiences have shaped her worldview and guided…

Journey Washingtonhigh was raised in Navarre, FL. She attended Fort Walton Beach High School in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Her senior motto was, “Today I shall behave as if this…

Jadal Williams grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has 3 brothers and they all strive for success.  He loves to play sports and was on his high school’s varsity…

Kahmile Whitby was born into a family with three absentee fathers between him and his four siblings. Early on, his family moved frequently between apartments and homeless shelters. At age…

Mia Wright is the Valedictorian for Kecoughtan High School Class of 2019 in Hampton, Virginia. She is fortunate to have been able to attend the Spratley Gifted Center from 5th-8th…

Born in Seattle, Washington, to a Japanese mother and African-American father, Tierra Wilson has dedicated her life, thus far, to serving those around her. She is a student, an athlete,…

Madeline Wright is an intellectually curious young woman driven by her obstacles. As the daughter of a drug addict, Madeline vividly recalls 60%, as up to 60% of children with…