What Donations Are Doing

London’s Late Summer Tuition Gap Filled!

"Yes, he headed off to Emory University. We were able to cover his scholarship tuition gap through you and other supporters. I heard he’s doing well,” I replied to a contributor concerned about London’s conundrum.
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End of July, with an unexpected $9,000 scholarship tuition gap at a time when funds are least available, London worried about where to find the missing funds so that he could start to pursue his dream profession, orthopedic surgeon, at Emory University. 
“Thanks a million,” London said with a big smile, so grateful for the urgent, last minute financial assistance.” And many thanks to all of you who contributed to our summer 2019 College Access campaign. Read about other creatively resolved conundrums and how others' support makes a difference. 

2018 College Access Fund Donations Made a Difference for 2019 High School Grads

We help out in these small, but big ways; 12th graders submit applications for assistance with some unaffordable essentials. Below are the fortunate recipients of All Out for Change scholarship fund awards thanks to your support:

Iisis: 
Iisis received $500 which has helped her purchase books for her classes and a laptop for her studies. She is attending Prince George’s County Community College, where she is studying child psychology and plans on transferring to a four year program after earning her Associate's Degree.

Gerald:
Thanks to a lot of financial aid, Gerald is attending University of Maryland College Park where he is studying journalism. He received $250 to cover the cost of his books for his fall semester.
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Jade:
Jade is attending Widener University in Pennsylvania. She received $250 to help her cover the costs of her books this semester. 
Ramari:  
Ramari is attending Morgan State University. She received $750 that went towards her fall semester's tuition.

And the 8 Macbooks?

“It’s been a game changer to have them!” remarked the 11th & 12th grader’s program director. Many thanks to my Mac guy, Mitch, at Computers on Demand, who’s a wizard at updating older laptops his customers hand to him. Besides being used for job searches, researching colleges and financial aid, students now can sit in front of computers and follow along during the college counselor workshop when being taught how to explore schools and opportunities online, versus just sitting and listening. I’m deeply grateful to all who pitched in.

Thanks to London, too!

In our meeting it felt awkward when he asked for my card, and it read, “Dedicated to achievement for less fortunate youth,” referencing their families' limited resources and hence, limitations in this day and age toward achieving their American dream. At that moment, I realized that he and the other teens are super fortunate to be in this life-changing program. That label, "less fortunate youth,”  throughout our website will disappear. It’s a challenge to come up with a phrase or word that feels right… after all we aren’t supporting youth whose families already have the funds to cover their college and basic expenses, like books, tuition, SAT prep courses, college counselors, transportation to school or to visit colleges etc. We’re probably not going to use “underserved” any longer; it’s too academic and doesn’t paint the picture. Maybe, "youth faced with financial disadvantages"?  Any suggestions? ​

December Fundraiser Coming to Your Inbox 

The fourteen 2020 grads on the path to achieving their dreams will have similar needs as the 2019 group. Watch your email in December for the opportunity to give them helpful financial support for essentials. Or donate now and you won’t receive year-end fundraiser clutter from us, nor the possibility of losing track of our campaign among all the other stuff in your inbox.
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Thanks for the giving!
MaryAnn, Chief Engagement Officer and Founder
AllOutForChange®

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