College Related, Living Expense & Tuition Shortfalls Financial Aid Recipients Face Can Derail Degree And Professional Goals

“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 48 spring semester Supplemental Scholarship awards to our DC International Charter School grads, to keep them in college and reduce debt. 

For Luz, our Supplemental Scholarship AMEX Card Opens Doors for Professional Development & Opportunities ​

When we picked up her tuition gap expense she could use her card instead for groceries, prescriptions, and course material. Luz's expense report surprised us with her purchases of professional development expenses she couldn’t otherwise afford: a $195 open water dive certification; and a registration fee for a linguistics conference she’ll be presenting at. ​

"I’m gearing up to start my next co-op (experiential learning program) as a diver at the New England Aquarium... Here in New England, fisheries is a such a prolific industry ... I actually went diving a couple weeks ago with someone who is a professional diver in NY for an oyster restoration organization, which sounds like a cool job. Seems promising that there are opportunities to continue working on fisheries and oysters after I leave Boston.” Luz, 2021 DCI grad, junior at Northeastern University, studying environmental science & ecology.

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

DONATE TO SPRING SEMESTER FUNDS

100% of your gift is for student needs.
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 What Damaris Has To Say About Her Supplemental Scholarship Award Card

2021 DCI grad, Posse Scholar, attending Lewis & Clark College; a future teacher majoring in Psychology

"Funds for additional expenses are very helpful for me. For example, the AOFC Supplemental Scholarship Award allows me: to get to and from school; to rent the books for my classes;  to travel to and from the airport and my campus either by Lyft/ Uber or by using the public transportation ... I am the sole provider of funds for my bachelor's degree."

​Imagine If We Hadn’t Pitched In . . .
What A Difference A Donation Makes! 
JaQuari's Emergency Tuition Gap Paid - Honor Roll Made

"Hey MaryAnn! This is JaQuari and I just wanted to thank you again for providing me with the last amount of funds for the spring semester! I was able to get honor roll after having a shaky first semester!” Summer 2023; a 2022 DC International Charter School (DCI) grad attending George Mason University, pursuing a sports management career.

Had All Out for Change® not provided the “last amount of funds” that outcome, honor roll, would have been impossible; he couldn’t have registered and enrolled in spring semester classes. Thanks to a generous donor, we handed him an opportunity and he ran with it! ​

Franklin - "I'm going to clock into my last shift at Chipotle...
I'm so excited!" 

In mid-August, in a conversation with Franklin I asked him, “What would you do with your time at school if you didn’t work 30hrs/week at Chipotle to pay your $12,000/year tuition gap?”  Ideas poured out of him. I shared that conversation with one of our supporters,  she remarked, “I want to sponsor him!”  And so, we launched our first Tuition Gap Opportunity Award.  ​

 When I called Franklin to share the news, he was stunned and bursting with gratitude. 

When asked how he would benefit from the award, Franklin wrote back, "I  will focus my time into my studies and work towards my career goals, the Peace Corps and Foreign Service...Thanks for all your help. God knows I would not be where I am without your constant support. All Out for Change has been a Godsend in many ways."​

In his mid-September follow-up, he wrote, “I’m a part of 3 executive boards for clubs:  cultural affairs director for the International Affairs Association; communications director for the Asian Association; and secretary for the Arabic club...So many things that I wouldn’t have been able to do while working at Chipotle."

"I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to the donors
for their generous contributions.

Jesus, 2023 DCI grad, Posse Scholar attending Lewis & Clark College, a future Doctor

Their financial assistance has been a significant benefit, especially since I had to relocate across the country for college. The funds have helped cover various expenses related to the move, from setting up my new living space to purchasing essential items."

View Celebration of Achievements and student awards photos

Provide Invaluable Support For Spring Semester
 Tuition Gaps & Supplemental Expenses ​

​"Small funding needs can keep a kid from going to school. We’ve seen it! . . . Thank you, you have been instrumental in ensuring DCI alumni success as they pursue their college plans.” Mary Shaffner, founder DC International Charter School

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

DONATE - BECOME STUDENT DEBT BUSTER

100% of your gift is for student needs.

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