<![CDATA[ALL OUT FOR CHANGE®

<![CDATA[ALL OUT FOR CHANGE® - Blog]]>Sat, 30 May 2026 05:35:58 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[It’s Graduation Time!]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/its-graduation-timeIt’s graduation season — and after a few months away from your inbox, we’re back with updates worth sharing.

This spring, All Out for Change® is supporting 23 students through our Supplemental Scholarship and Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards, helping them cover the financial gaps and expenses that stand between their ambition and a degree.

Behind the scenes, we’ve also been refreshing our website (coming soon!) and deepening our partnership with DC International, our partner public charter school, to explore more robust, ongoing support for their graduates — more on that in future newsletters.

For now, we’re marking graduation season the best way we know how, with some alumni spotlights that show exactly what your generosity makes possible and some news about an important new study on the value of a college degree. We also pause to remember our founder, MaryAnn Puglisi, one year after her passing.

Read on. These stories are the reason we do this work.

Where Are They Now?
Alumni Updates That Show Your Impact
You gave. They soared… here's proof!

Every few months we check in with our alumni, and every few months we are reminded just how much your generosity ripples forward. Enjoy these updates from two of our long-time scholars, Anthony and Franklin, whose journeys show what becomes possible when financial barriers are alleviated as a community shows up for young people.

Anthony's Story: From Scholar to Voice Coach
The First All Out for Change® Supplemental Scholarship Awardee!

Anthony has been pursuing his opera career since his early high school days at DC’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He is currently navigating the early seasons of a performance career, going through a significant vocal transition from baritone to tenor, and launching a voice studio of his own. In early April, he began a new role as a voice coach at Amore Learning DC, bringing his artistry into classrooms and mentorship settings. Smaller performance opportunities have also been coming his way, and he sees each one as a step forward.

He credits AOFC's most tangible impact as housing stability during school. Removing that stressor allowed him to focus on his academic and career goals.

"The biggest impact was having a secure place to live, thanks to MaryAnn, Linda (a generous donor) and AOFC. It removed a major stressor and allowed me to focus on school and my craft." - Anthony, AOFC Scholar, pursuing an opera career in Washington, DC

Anthony also offered us thoughtful feedback, explaining that the transition from college into the professional world can feel like falling off a cliff. He's calling for more post-grad advising and career guidance and aims to serve as an inspiration for young Black men. From where we're standing, he is on the right track!

Franklin's Story: Capitol Hill Aspirations
2022 DC International School Graduate & 2025 Catholic University Graduate

We're thrilled to share that one of our hardworking award recipients, Franklin, graduated from Catholic University with a BA in Politics last December. He is now working with L'Arche, a nonprofit supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a Direct Support Professional role and is discovering a new passion for how healthcare policy intersects with the IDD community. His long-term sights are set on Capitol Hill, possibly with a role in a congressional committee focused on foreign affairs. Franklin graduated from our partner high school, DC International in 2022. He was among the first recipients of AOFC’s Tuition Gap Opportunity Award.

"That first year and a half of college was really rough, not much of a social life because of how much I worked. It was double the effort to try to do what a lot of people consider the bare minimum." - Franklin, on life before the Tuition Gap Opportunity Award

"After I was able to not have to pay that [tuition gap] thanks to MaryAnn and All Out for Change® — I had more time. I was able to be a Resident Assistant on campus, join clubs, be on different boards of student organizations. I was very involved and I really, really enjoyed my last two and a half years."— Franklin, on life after the Tuition Gap Opportunity Award

Franklin also shared something that stayed with us: "I do have MaryAnn to thank - she was a whimsical woman, and she taught me that it was good to be whimsical." The friendship and belief that comes alongside our financial support matters just as much as the dollars, a philosophy that our dear friend MaryAnn has left within all of us.

And on that thoughtful note….

Remembering MaryAnn Puglisi
Founder & Chief Engagement Officer, All Out for Change®
Forever in Our Hearts

It has been a year since the passing of our beloved founder and friend MaryAnn. She built this organization on the foundation of love for students and learning, and an unshakeable belief that removing a financial obstacle could change the entire direction of a young person's life.

MaryAnn adored flowers, sunshine, and the unhurried joy of being outside. She would have wanted this anniversary marked not with heaviness, but with the kind of lightness she embodied. Enjoy a walk through your neighborhood, a morning at the beach, or a bike ride with no particular destination in her honor, as her warm and free spirit feels especially close as summer begins.

New Study: College grads earn more than those who don’t attend college

A sweeping new study that tracked nearly one million students at Texas public colleges delivers a clear verdict: higher education pays. Researchers followed students across bachelor's, associate's, and certificate programs and measured their earnings against peers who went straight into the workforce — factoring in tuition, fees, and lost income along the way. The bottom line: bachelor's degree entrants outearned high school graduates by nearly $87,000 over 15 years, even after college costs. And even liberal arts majors came out about $35,000 ahead. The data make a powerful case for why getting students into — and through — college changes lives.

And your support helps make it possible for talented young scholars to stay in school and finish those degrees. Now that’s a great investment.

Read more about this important new study by the Postsecondary Commission:

Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
(CBS News Report)

Texas Statewide Study of Postsecondary Value-added Earnings

Help Write Our Students’ Next Chapter
Your gift covers tuition gaps, living expenses, and supplemental costs — 100% goes to student needs.

DONATE FOR FALL SEMESTER SUPPORT

100% of your gift is for student needs.

]]><![CDATA[Step into 2026 with positive energy and bright spirits!]]>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/step-into-2026-with-positive-energy-and-bright-spiritsClick the links, laugh a little, read some good news.
Show gratitude and receive gratitude by helping others when you can.
The Power of Gratitude

We hope that Elena Eliachevitch's photo of this waving seal will bring you as much joy as it brought us!

Giving is Good for All of Us - Here’s Why
Give this Harvard Business School article a read to find out how giving can benefit you: "Why Giving to Others Makes Us Happy”

Thanks to all our 2025 donors, especially those who donated in honor of our founder, MaryAnn Puglisi. Each of you are helping to propel students toward success. A special thank you to the Lido Civic Club for their ongoing support.

Lido Civic Club Since 1929, bringing together Washington area Italian American business professionals to enjoy shared business interests, Italian American culture, and philanthropic activities

It feels good to give! Your donations will go directly toward our Spring Semester Awards.

DONATE FOR SPRING SEMESTER SUPPORT

Wishing You Lots of Laughs, Good News & Gratitude for Helping Out Others in 2026!

]]><![CDATA[MaryAnn Puglisi's passing.]]>Sun, 04 May 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/maryann-puglisis-passingIt is with profound sadness that we share the news that MaryAnn Puglisi, the Founder, President and Chief Engagement Officer of All Out for Change®, passed away on April 15, 2025.

MaryAnn told few people that she had been undergoing treatment for leukemia since late 2024. Despite her greatest hopes and the best efforts of her medical team, she was not able to survive an aggressive form of the disease. For those who knew MaryAnn personally, it will come as no surprise that her spirit, will and determination were strong until the end.

MaryAnn lived fully and derived much joy from the simple daily activities of her life – sharing a meal with friends, planting her garden, and riding her bicycle through Rock Creek Park. One of her proudest accomplishments was starting her nonprofit, All Out for Change®, which was founded on her strong belief that all youth, regardless of their economic circumstances, deserve a fair opportunity to pursue their dreams of degrees, professions, and upward mobility.

All Photos: Jamie Sandel

Throughout her time growing the organization, MaryAnn took great pride in working with DC International School and its outstanding college counseling team and supporting DCI graduates through AOFC’s Supplemental Scholarship and Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards. More than anything else, she loved meeting students and hearing stories about their studies, accomplishments, and success in meeting academic challenges head on.

All Out for Change® will continue, thanks to our many generous donors as well as a gift from MaryAnn herself. The Board of Directors has already convened to discuss the future of the organization and has appointed AOFC program advisor, Betty Weiss, to serve as the interim Executive Director of the organization.

The Supplemental Scholarship and Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards programs will also be continuing. MaryAnn felt strongly that students receive assistance for the duration of their college education.

There will be a memorial service sometime later this summer. For now, we hope you will think of MaryAnn when you see a garden in bloom or hear of a student overcoming obstacles to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Please direct your questions and communication regarding AOFC matters to Betty Weiss at Betty@AllOutForChange.org.

Thank you for your support and interest in All Out for Change®. We look forward to keeping you updated as we move forward. If you would like to make a donation in honor of MaryAnn, you may do so by clicking the blue button below. We will make a special effort to recognize memorial contributions in future updates.

With our best wishes,

The All Out for Change® Board of Directors

Our event videographer has captured the essence of DC International Charter School grads’ Supplemental Scholarship support in a 1 minute video, How Does All Out for Change® Make a Difference. You’ll find illuminating content on our private YouTube page.

]]><![CDATA[Thank You For Your Fall Campaign Donation.]]>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/thank-you-for-your-fall-campaign-donationI appreciate your understanding and generosity that gives our student scholars opportunities to pursue degrees without the burden of debt overload and change their lives. Below you’ll see couple of thank you notes from students and some midterm supplemental scholarship gift card expense reports. Also we were able to take care of six tuition gaps to allow students to register and reduce debt and stay in school. Our one-to-one match fundraising earned us an additional $10,000 on top of your donation.

Our First Success Story, Anthony D. Anderson

We supported Anthony in pursuit of his opera career from undergraduate through graduate school. Donations helped cover his supplemental expenses and housing and kept him out of debt while he worked and attended classes.

Watch a short video that includes his June performance at the Lincoln Memorial. He’ll be at the Kennedy Center in May with the chorus of Porgy and Bess.

Take a Look at Thank You Notes and Expense Reports for Supplemental Scholarship Gift Cards

LUZ: (hers is an example of a student that lives off campus).

Thanks so much! I will be on the lookout for the supplemental scholarship in the mail. I am waiting on a response from Northeastern about extending my grace period for tuition payment. As for the tuition gap assistance and supplemental scholarship, they are so helpful for covering costs that I can’t pay.Without this help, I would have no choice but to take out loans which I might not be able to pay back for an extended period of time.

JESUS: (his is an example of how a $600 gift card is quickly used up by travel across the country).

This is helping me focus on getting my postgraduate career off to a meaningful start instead of limiting my options based on where I can get the most money.

Thanks,
Luz

ROSMERY:
Dear MaryAnn,

Yes, of course, the feedback I have is that the scholarship has helped me a lot. It has made it easier for me to focus on my studies and work toward my degree in marketing without worrying as much about finances. I’m very grateful for the donors’ support.

Best,
Rosmery

Every semester our select group of college scholarship students will face college and living expenses they and their families can’t afford. Through your support we can provide spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards to our DC International Charter School (DCI) grads, to keep them in college and reduce debt.

"It's Up to Each of Us to Cultivate and Nurture Our Youth".

Richard Antoine White, author of I'm Possible: A Story of a Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream" and our 2023 Celebration of Achievements keynote speaker.

Investment in our Ambitious Goal-Oriented Scholars' Present, Ensures Their Future Success.
Become a Funding Partner to add your company name here.

A locally owned & independent pharmacy that offers personalized attention to your patient care.

Lido Civic Club Since 1929, bringing together Washington area Italian American business professionals to enjoy shared business interests, Italian American culture, and philanthropic activities.

]]><![CDATA[$20,000 is Needed for Student Tuition Gaps so They Can Stay in School]]>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/20000-is-needed-for-student-tuition-gapsso-they-can-stay-in-schoolThe 1st Year of Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards has Invaluable Impact
Donors Reduce Financial Worries -
So Much Gratitude to Share From Students

“A lot of people think if you give a kid a scholarship, now the kid’s set… they’ve got everything they need. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Chris Metzler, director of student services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Every semester our select group of college scholarship students will face college and living expenses they and their families can’t afford. Through your support we can provide spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards to our DC International Charter School (DCI) grads, to keep them in college and reduce debt.

2:1 Match to $20,000
Our Goal, $40,000, with the Match, provides for spring semester supplemental expenses & tuition gaps

DONATE FOR SPRING SEMESTER SUPPORT

100% of your gift is for student needs.

Isabella, a DCI 2022 grad, a UCLA junior, and a 2nd-year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

Freshman Year Spring Semester survey response,“…I would come out short for each payment and my university would threaten to drop core classes I needed for my major that were extremely competitive. Being stressed about money during school would affect my performance in class because I was constantly stressed about how I would pay my next bill. My grades were not good and I was not as open to joining clubs because I was always thinking about tuition".
Beginning Junior Year: "Thank you so much once again for helping me with my tuition this quarter. I seriously appreciate all you guys do to help me complete my dreams in undergraduate pursuits! It would not be possible without you guys. Not stressing about my tuition has helped my grades and extracurriculars improve so much!"

Amanuel, a 2023 DCI Grad and a sophomore at Marymount, career goal - Physical Therapist; 1st year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

AMANUEL:
Freshman Year Spring Semester survey responses and our follow up conversations are helpful in adding to our understanding of what financial complications some students face and the consequences.
For Example:

"My current annual debt is 18K with an interest ranging from 5-8%. The 12k has 8% interest while the remaining has 5.5% interest.
Without receiving any more financial aid my debt would end up being approximately 75K. My tuition is not fully covered.
Last semester I was debating on dropping out or transferring due to my tuition gap.

He writes after learning of the tuition support we could provide: “Thank you so much! I’ve already said this but I really appreciate you all and words can’t describe how grateful I am for all your help!”

2022 DCI grad, junior at The Catholic University, career goal - Foreign Service, pictured hosting Global Fest

FRANKLIN:
Through Franklin, we conceived of the Tuition Gap Opportunity Award summer 2023 when learning in a conversation that throughout his freshman year he was working 30 hrs/wk. at Chipotle to cover his tuition gap. He’s a 2nd year awardee.

“ I can confidently say that if it hadn’t been for AOFC’s help I would have never left my old job, I would not be applying to internships and developing my career this early. I cannot stress how lifesaving All Out for Change has been when I most needed help.”

Investment in our Ambitious Goal-Oriented Scholars' Present, Ensures Their Future Success.

Our select group of grads from DCI have achieved completion of a rigorous, bi-lingual college prep International Baccalaureate program for all, and received college scholarships and partial financial aid packages; however they don’t have the funds to cover the shortfall and other college related expenses.

Donations assist them with essentials like laptops, textbooks, local transportation & travel, dorm & school supplies, tuition gaps, food, housing, and more to reduce crippling debt & keep them in college.

2:1 Match to $20,000
Our Goal, $40,000, with the Match, provides for spring semester supplemental expenses & tuition gaps

DONATE FOR SPRING SEMESTER SUPPORT

100% of your gift is for student needs.

Inspiring, Eye-Opening & Informative Videos

A locally owned & independent pharmacy that offers personalized attention to your patient care.

Lido Civic Club Since 1929, bringing together Washington area Italian American business professionals to enjoy shared business interests, Italian American culture, and philanthropic activities.

James W. Cocco, CPA, LLC · Dupont Building Services, Providing full-service building maintenance support · Infinity Design Solutions LLC, A DC-based full-service general contracting company with expertise in historic buildings · The Donohoe Companies, Inc., Development, Construction, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Management, Hospitality Management, and Facilities Management · Matthews Carter & Boyce Team, CPAs & Advisors

Become a Funding Partner to add your company name here.
Help get the word out.

]]><![CDATA[The 1st Year of Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards has Invaluable Impact]]>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/the-1st-year-of-tuition-gap-opportunity-awards-has-invaluable-impact-1906998-still-needed-to-reach-our-goal$18,861.14 Still Needed to Reach our Goal
Donors Reduce Financial Worries -
So Much Gratitude to Share From Students

“A lot of people think if you give a kid a scholarship, now the kid’s set … they’ve got everything they need. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Chris Metzler, director of student services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Every semester our select group of college scholarship students will face college and living expenses they and their families can’t afford. Through your support we can provide spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards to our DC International Charter School (DCI) grads, to keep them in college and reduce debt.

1:1 Match to $20,000
Our Goal, $40,000, with the Match, provides for spring semester supplemental expenses & tuition gaps

DONATE FOR SPRING SEMESTER SUPPORT

100% of your gift is for student needs.

ISABELLA:
Isabella attends UCLA and studying Life Sciences and Marine Biology. Donations have alleviated Isabella of the financial stresses caused by her tuition gap; keeping her enrolled and minimizing her debt, and improving her academic performance…which is the case for all of these award recipients.

Freshman Year Spring Semester survey response,“…I would come out short for each payment and my university would threaten to drop core classes I needed for my major that were extremely competitive. Being stressed about money during school would affect my performance in class because I was constantly stressed about how I would pay my next bill. My grades were not good and I was not as open to joining clubs because I was always thinking about tuition".

Beginning Junior Year: "Thank you so much once again for helping me with my tuition this quarter. I seriously appreciate all you guys do to help me complete my dreams in undergraduate pursuits! It would not be possible without you guys. Not stressing about my tuition has helped my grades and extracurriculars improve so much!"

Isabella, a DCI 2022 grad, a UCLA junior, and a 2nd-year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

Amanuel, a 2023 DCI Grad and a sophomore at Marymount, career goal - Physical Therapist; 1st year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

"My current annual debt is 18K with an interest ranging from 5-8%. The 12k has 8% interest while the remaining has 5.5% interest.
Without receiving any more financial aid my debt would end up being approximately 75K. My tuition is not fully covered.
Last semester I was debating on dropping out or transferring due to my tuition gap.

2022 DCI grad, junior at The Catholic University, career goal - Foreign Service, pictured hosting Global Fest

Investment in our Ambitious Goal-Oriented Scholars' Present, Ensures Their Future Success.

1:1 Match to $20,000
Our Goal, $40,000, with the Match, provides for spring semester supplemental expenses & tuition gaps

DONATE - BECOME A STUDENT DEBT BUSTER

100% of your gift is for student needs.

Inspiring, Eye-Opening & Informative Videos

Help get the word out.

]]><![CDATA[Donors Reduce Financial Worries]]>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/donors-reduce-financial-worriesThe 1st Year of Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards, Fall 2023
Spring 2024 Semesters Has Invaluable Impact

“Thank you for investing in my future and allowing me to pursue my dreams.” Melissa, DCI 2024 Grad

ISABELLA:
Isabella attends UCLA and studying Life Sciences and Marine Biology. Donations have alleviated Isabella of the financial stresses caused by her tuition gap; keeping her enrolled and minimizing her debt and stress, and improving her academic performance…which is the case for all of these award recipients.

Isabella, a DCI 2022 grad, a UCLA junior and a 2nd-year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

Freshman Year Spring Semester survey response,“…I would come out short for each payment and my university would threaten to drop core classes I needed for my major that were extremely competitive. Being stressed about money during school would affect my performance in class because I was constantly stressed about how I would pay my next bill. My grades were not good and I was not as open to joining clubs because I was always thinking about tuition".

Sophomore Year as a 1st year Award recipient, “Being stressed out over college tuition is not talked enough about as something that can seriously affect your mental health during your college experience. I am so grateful that All Out For Change is able to help me as much as they can during my college experience. They have made my sophomore year at UCLA a wonderful time and have allowed me the opportunity to attend school focusing primarily on classes and no extra worries."

Summer 2024 before Junior Year she wrote, “Last year my grades were the best I’ve gotten due to being stress free about my tuition gap, and without worrying about my classes being dropped and more. Thank you so much!”

Beginning Junior Year: "Thank you so much once again for helping me with my tuition this quarter. I seriously appreciate all you guys do to help me complete my dreams in undergraduate pursuits! It would not be possible without you guys. Not stressing about my tuition has helped my grades and extracurriculars improve so much!"

Isabella writing her thank you note at the Awards event.

Amanuel, a 2023 DCI Grad and a sophomore at Marymount, career goal - Physical Therapist; 1st year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

"My current annual debt is 18K with an interest ranging from 5-8%. The 12k has 8% interest while the remaining has 5.5% interest.
Without receiving any more financial aid my debt would end up being approximately 75K. My tuition is not fully covered.
Last semester I was debating on dropping out or transferring due to my tuition gap. There was a scholarship I received that I expected to cover some of my tuition but the scholarship was not accepted by the school which took a long time to process. By the time they let me know a hold was placed on my account and I could not register for classes but I received some family support to remove the hold and finish the year…”

SKYLAR:
"This Tuition Gap Opportunity award helps take the pressure off of having to work so hard to afford school and will give me the break I need to maintain my mental health while striving to finish my bachelors and obtain my masters".
"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. And it definitely does make focusing on class easier."

Skylar, 2021 DCI Grad at Old Dominion University, studying Speech-Language Pathology, 1st year Tuition Gap Opportunity Awardee

And Thanks from the All Out For Change Team

Making our student gratitude and achievement possible are individual donors (Student Debt Busters), and organizations (Onward & Upward Funding partners), who have pitched in each year for the last 3 years: Dupont Circle Pharmacy; The Lido Civic Club; James W. Cocco, CPA; Dupont Building Services & Epic Consolidated Services; Infinity Design Solutions; The Donohoe Companies, Inc.
Investment in our ambitious goal-oriented scholars’ present ensures their future success. Wait till you hear what Anthony, our opera grad, has been up to, and where Luz and Damaris are going after getting their degrees in 2025.
Our select group of grads from DCI have achieved completion of a rigorous, bi-lingual college prep International Baccalaureate program for all, and received college scholarships and partial financial aid packages; however they don’t have the funds to cover the shortfall and other college related expenses.
Donations assist them with essentials like laptops, textbooks, local transportation & travel, dorm & school supplies, tuition gaps, food, housing, and more to reduce crippling debt & keep them in college.

Become a Student Debt Buster

DONATE FOR SPRING SEMESTER SUPPORT

Inspiring, Eye-Opening & Informative Videos

]]><![CDATA[College Related Expenses, Living Expenses, and Tuition Shortfalls that Financial Aid Recipients Face can DerailDegree and Professional Goals]]>Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/college-related-expenses-living-expenses-and-tuition-shortfalls-that-financial-aid-recipients-face-can-deraildegree-and-professional-goalsKeep student scholars on track by donating to the All Out for Change® Supplemental Scholarship Fund that covers DC International Charter School (DCI) grads’ college-related financial conundrums with 3 types of Supplemental Scholarship awards: laptops; Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards; and Amex business gift cards with spending guidelines and expense reporting requirements.

Every semester our select group of college scholarship students who graduate from DC International Charter School will face college and living expenses they and their families can’t afford

Together, through all who pitch in, we make a difference for them by covering expenses their wealthier peers’ families can easily afford: a laptop; and a Supplemental Scholarship Amex business gift card each semester, for textbooks, commuting, travel, meals, tuition gaps, dorm & school supplies and more.

“A lot of people think if you give a kid a scholarship, now the kid’s set…
they’ve got everything they need.
Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Chris Metzler, director of student services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Heading to college with only partial scholarships and financial aid packages sets students up for ScholarshipWreck… lots of debt upon receiving a degree, or dropping out with debt.

Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards Prevent ScholarshipWreck
& Open Doors Toward Goals

Franklin, 2022 DCI grad at Catholic University,
hosting the Global Fest, goal - Foreign Service

Our fall semester test with Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards, like that provided to Franklin, are proving to be invaluable support. He’ll receive tuition gap assistance as needed throughout college thanks to an understanding supporter. Her donation relieves Franklin of working 30 hours/week at Chipotle to cover his tuition gap.

On-campus opportunities he's taking advantage of:

resident assistant job fall 2024 - spring 2025 semesters that provides for campus housing and meals;
paid summer internship with an association;
honors seminar fall semester 2024;
cultural affairs director, international affairs association;
communications director, the Asian association
secretary, the Arabic club

1:1 Match through May 29th, up to $20,000
$60,000 needed for laptops & fall semester awards

DONATE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Become a Student Debt Buster

Donations assist college scholarship recipients with essentials like laptops, textbooks, local transportation & travel, dorm & school supplies, tuition gaps, food, housing, and more to reduce crippling debt & keep them in college.

" . . . It is really hard because I got into my dream school, however the hardest part was not getting in, instead trying to pay to stay here. I am so grateful to have heard of this wonderful organization and want to thank you guys so much for the help and support.” ~ Isabella, 2022 DCI grad, attending UCLA, studying Marine Biology

DCI class of 2022 college-bound AOFC scholars with laptops and supplemental scholarship awards

Supplemental Scholarship Expense Reports Are Coming In

A recipient of a Supplemental Scholarship Award Gift Card remarks,
" . . . the flexibility allows me to address various immediate expenses, such as flights to and from DC, as well as everyday necessities like groceries, personal hygiene products, and school supplies. Additionally, it helps cover textbook costs, and subscriptions to essential homework websites. These are all expenses financial aid does not account for. Having the flexibility to allocate funds based on my current needs is invaluable, and I believe it would provide the most comprehensive support for managing my expenses effectively." ~ Jesus, 2023 DCI grad, Lewis & Clark College, a future doctor

The pie chart reflects how students' supplemental needs are met with the $600 prepaid cards.

Inspiring, Eye-Opening & Informative Videos

Our event videographer has captured the essence of DC International Charter School grads’ Supplemental Scholarship support in a 1 minute video, How Does All Out for Change® Make a Difference.

You’ll find illuminating content on our private YouTube page, featuring speakers from our 2022 & 2023 Celebration of Achievements.

1:1 Match through May 29th, up to $20,000
$60,000 needed for laptops & fall semester awards

DONATE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Become a Student Debt Buster

Help get the word out.

]]><![CDATA[An Invite from Anthony]]>Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/an-invite-from-anthonyAs we come to a close on my final semester at the University of Maryland, we will culminate the experience with the Studio's Spring opera which is Daniel Catán’s opera “Florencia en el Amazonas”! It would of course mean a lot to me if you make yourself available to join for this immersive and magical experience. You may find information about the opera as well as purchasing tickets here.

Anthony D. Anderson, Our Supplemental Scholarship Awardee Since 2017, Keeps Soaring Higher

Since 2017, Anthony has received support from AOFC that kept him in school and minimized his debt: funds to apply to undergraduate and graduate schools and travel to audition; an ipad, a vital component for his success; a replacement laptop; supplemental scholarship funds for essentials like transportation to campus, meals, groceries, books, etc; housing assistance during his 2 years of grad school at UMD’s Opera Studio. In addition to receiving 2 full-ride undergrad music conservatory scholarship offers, and a scholarship to University of Maryland’s graduate Opera Studio, Anthony’s making strides toward an opera career: his bachelor’s degree, and soon, his graduate degree, and seeking professional opportunities. He has accumulated a wealth of experience and accomplishments thanks to his talent, hard work, commitment to his goals, and the support our donors have provided. Watch news coverage and videos of his performances.

We hope all recipients of All Out For Change® awards excel and share in the same good fortune on their journeys as Anthony has.

Give to the Supplemental Scholarship Fund

Donations assist college scholarship recipients with essentials like laptops, textbooks, local transportation & travel, dorm & school supplies, tuition gaps, food, housing, and more to reduce crippling debt & keep them in college.

]]><![CDATA[What a Difference Our Students’ Supporters Make]]>Sat, 09 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.alloutforchange.org/blog/what-a-difference-our-students-supporters-makeOur fall semester test with Tuition Gap Opportunity Awards, like that provided to Franklin, are proving to be invaluable support. He’ll receive tuition gap assistance as needed throughout college thanks to a generous, understanding supporter.

Excited to share good news, Franklin texted: “I got RA! And I’m in the process of applying for internships through the Economic Club." Franklin, 2022 DCI grad, at Catholic University.

I wrote back, “Those are definitely two things you couldn't be doing spending 30 hours weekly working at Chipotle to cover your tuition gap. The Resident Assistant position will provide for housing and meals. So you won't be commuting from your parents’ home next school year. And getting a paid summer internship through the Economic Club will be a valuable experience, provide income and networking opportunities. Your Tuition Gap Opportunity Award is really making a difference!”

He replied, “Literally, making my life so much better since I left working 30 hours a week!

Student Mid-Term Expense Reports Are Coming In

The pre-paid cards’ value, $600, is going toward meals/groceries; school & dorm supplies; textbooks; travel, commuting/transportation; and medicine, personal hygiene, laundry.

Inspiring, Eye-Opening & Informative Videos

Our event videographer has captured the essence of AOFC’s DC International Charter School grads’ Supplemental Scholarship support in a 1 minute video, How Does All Out for Change® Make a Difference.

You’ll find illuminating content on our private YouTube page, featuring speakers from our 2023 Celebration of Achievements, as well as 2022. Tune in if you missed the events, or would like to revisit them:

3) Eryka Jennings, All Out For Change® board member and Committee Chair for Student Success Resources, convenes the 2023 Celebration of Achievements.

4) Cody Long, recipient of the 2023 Angelo and Melvena Puglisi award for excellence in education, accepts his award and shares remarks about his work as a founding faculty member at DC International School, and about the urgency of the work he has done with All Out For Change. MaryAnn Puglisi, All Out For Change founder and chief engagement officer, gives introductory remarks and presents the award.

5) Anthony D. Anderson, All Out For Change's first awardee and supplemental scholarship recipient since 2017, pursuing an opera career, speaks to his educational journey and performs

6) Richard Antoine White is the principal tubist of the New Mexico Philharmonic and associate professor of tuba and euphonium at New Mexico University, as well as the author of the bestselling memoir "I'm Possible - A Story of Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream." He was featured as keynote speaker at the 2023 Celebration of Achievements. Purchase his and other page-turning reads.

give to the supplemental scholarship fund

Donations assist college scholarship recipients with essentials like laptops, textbooks, local transportation & travel, dorm & school supplies, tuition gaps, food, housing, and more to reduce crippling debt & keep them in college.

Help get the word out.

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