Vibrant Works’ Post

Yesterday, I had the privilege of connecting with a new client during a Discovery Call, and I couldn't be more thrilled to embark on this scholarship journey with her for her Master. As I do in every Discovery Call, I ask where do you stand in your scholarship journey, and like many others, she expressed uncertainty, citing common myths that often deter individuals from pursuing scholarships.   ❌Lack of Awareness: She wasn't aware about the diverse range of scholarships available based on various criteria such as ethnicity, field of study, and community involvement.   ❌Information Overload: She came to me initially, because she was unsure of where to begin her search because of the countless scholarship websites, databases, and resources available online, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the volume of information.   ❌Complex Application Processes: She thought all scholarship applications were overly complex and time-consuming.   ❌Misconceptions about application timelines: She thought scholarships were only available during certain times of the year, such as the fall semester.    these myths can create unnecessary barriers to accessing valuable funding opportunities. But during our conversation, I had the opportunity to ease her concerns and dispel these myths, empowering her to approach her scholarship journey with confidence and clarity. I'm thrilled that she left our conversation feeling encouraged and ready to start her journey confidently alongside me.   And if you find yourself at a crossroads with any of these myths, just like my new client did, I invite you to book a discovery call with me. Together, we'll demystify the scholarship process and set you on the path to securing valuable funding for your education. Let's make your scholarship dreams a reality! 🚀📚 https://lnkd.in/gt-B3Syv #ScholarshipSuccess #EmpoweringJourneys #BreakTheMyths #DiscoveryCall #UnlockOpportunities #ScholarshipCoach #GraduateFunding #collegestudents #scholarshipopportunities #scholarshipsearch #womensupportingwomen #womenempoweringwomen #womencoachingwomen #parents #highereducation #payingforcollege #womenleader

The Universities UK #100Faces campaign celebrates the achievements of students and alumni who were the first in their family to go to university.   In a climate where some people question the value that universities bring to individuals and society, I am particularly passionate about the importance of widening access to higher education.  As the first member of my own family to have gone to university, I see the significant opportunities that such an experience can have, and I am committed to ensuring that other people like me can benefit from a world-class education, regardless of their background.   Our universities work hard to identify and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds. At The Manchester Metropolitan University around half of our UK undergraduate students are the first in their family to experience university life.  Our First Generation Scholarship Programme provides support to outstanding young people from the North West who have the ambition to benefit from our transformative university provision, but whose parents didn’t have such an opportunity. Since the programme started in 2018, we have supported almost 800 First Generation Scholars, and these graduates go on to exciting and fulfilling careers that make a difference to our world. Alumnus Shuab Gamote, who features in the #100Faces campaign, is a beneficiary of our support and a passionate advocate of the transformational power of education. His story is inspiring: https://lnkd.in/e7-uktii   Alumni, friends and supporters play an essential role in supporting and mentoring our First Generation students, and increasing numbers fund scholarships and bursaries.  We are proud of our partnerships with those who share our values and vision.  If you would like to help, please get in touch. #100Faces -  https://lnkd.in/evRVcD5x #universities #highereducation #firstgeneration #philanthropy #giving #mcrmetproud #students #personaldevelopment #bestadvice #education #leadership

Some great thoughts here on effective and sustainable practice to support transition.

It’s here! If you want to know what makes Hunter College so special, look no further than Stephen Lassonde’s new book, "Helping Your Students Write Personal Statements: Framing the Narrative for Fellowships and Other Opportunities." In the slim volume, the director of Hunter’s Office of Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships bottles his “special sauce” on student marketing for college advisers. Read more in Inside Higher Ed: https://lnkd.in/eWkM_Brh 

The burgeoning costs of higher education, soaring by 169% since 1980, pose significant barriers to obtaining a college degree, despite its undeniable value in enhancing employment prospects and lifetime earnings. A recent Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2022 study revealed a mere 9% of Americans believe in the accessibility of quality, affordable higher education for all. In light of this, some remarkable individuals have turned their personal success in securing scholarships into thriving businesses aimed at mitigating this challenge. Derrius Lamar Okiro Quarles, a Morehouse College alum, transformed his experience of obtaining over $1 million in scholarships into Million Dollar Scholar, a venture offering guidance and resources for scholarship seekers. Similarly, Gabriella Carter, a Princeton University graduate who garnered more than $2 million in scholarships, leverages her "Free Money Maven" platform to distribute her knowledge widely. Christopher Gray's Scholly, which gained traction from a Shark Tank feature, recently became freely accessible to all users after being acquired by Sallie Mae, emphasizing its mission to alleviate student debt. These enterprises not only spotlight the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals overcoming financial hurdles to higher education but also underscore the critical need for innovative solutions in the scholarship domain. With over $100 million in scholarship opportunities now accessible through these platforms, they provide a beacon of hope for students navigating the complex landscape of college funding. Read the full story by Bria Overs from Word In Black at dallasweekky.com #Iamdw #blackpress #collegescholarships #financialaid #studentsuccess #scholarshipopportunities #studentdebtrelief Word In Black

Today is #NationalHigherEducationDay and we want to take a moment to talk about the opportunities that higher education and the Passageway Scholarship Foundation gives to our students who thought that there was no chance they would ever receive a higher education. Many of the kids who come to our programs have come from tough histories that have impacted their ability to look forward to their futures, they think in the here and now. Our programs focus on showing them that they can be successful, and that they have the opportunity to be whoever they want to be. Higher education which may have previously been out of reach in their mind, suddenly becomes an option for the kids who make the realization that their future opportunities are endless! As we all know, higher education can get expensive, and it's a major barrier that students face when thinking about their education. Our Passageway Scholarship Foundation was created to help students have the opportunity to get further into their education. We are proud to have given out over $1 million in scholarships to date for kids picking their own paths going to traditional 4-year universities, trade schools, and community colleges across the country. To learn more about passageway scholarship foundation, and support our student's education, visit their website below. https://lnkd.in/ewrMQVR4 #HigherEducation #educatestudents #ROPalumni #youthempowerment #youthadvocacy

Why Community College Can Be the Best Launchpad for Success? As someone who came to the United States with limited English skills, I faced countless challenges in my pursuit of education. However, I decided to start at a community college that transformed my life and set me on the path to achieving my dreams. Here are 5 reasons why community college might be the better choice for you too: 1. Affordability: Starting at a community college allowed me to save money while building a strong academic foundation. Without the financial strain of university tuition, I was able to focus on my studies, work, and still support my family back home. Community colleges provide a cost-effective start to your educational journey. 2. Accessibility and Flexibility: Community colleges are designed to accommodate students with diverse needs. The flexible schedules enabled me to balance two part-time jobs while taking ESL and college-level courses. This adaptability made it possible for me to keep pushing forward, even when life was challenging. 3. Personalized Attention: With smaller class sizes, I received the personalized support I needed to succeed. Professors at community colleges are deeply invested in their students’ success, and the relationships I built there were pivotal in my academic achievements and eventual transfer to a top-tier university. 4. Real-World Experience and Community Involvement: My time at Bristol Community College wasn't just about earning a degree—it was about gaining real-world experience, leadership skills, and a sense of community. From tutoring and mentoring to volunteering, I had countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. 5. A Strong Foundation for University Success: Community college gave me the foundation I needed to excel at a university. By the time I transferred to Northeastern University, I had not only earned scholarships but also developed the resilience and confidence to thrive in a demanding academic environment. Community college was the stepping stone that turned my dreams into reality. Whether you're looking to save money, gain experience, or build a strong academic foundation, consider starting your journey at a community college. It could be the best decision you ever make. Bristol Community College #CommunityCollege #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #Leadership #Inspiration #EducationJourney #bristolcc #USA

💸 $80,000 - $95,000 per year That is the staggering tuition cost at the universities my son has applied to. 🤯 💫 From my background as an actress in NYC studying art - to guiding my high-achieving, academic son toward higher education - this price tag is foreign to my experience and adds to the anxiety. 🤷🏼♀️ 🤔 A recent conversation with a President of a global corporation, who didn't finish college, made me question again why some exclusively champion college bound students. And the amount of admiration many times correlates with the school's ranking. 🫶 While of course I'm endlessly proud of my son and glad he's so successful,💡 I challenge the narrative that college is the sole path to success, especially when individuals like the executive I spoke with defy that notion. ❌ On the flip side, many are shut out of opportunities due to lack of higher education.🌟 As a parent to a privileged young man, I still yearn for greater accessibility and equity in education. 📚 As the sole financial provider of his collegiate dreams, for me this journey has emphasized two things: 1. The nation's necessity for a more inclusive route to higher education without the crippling costs. 2. There's a need for a reassessment of priorities and a shift in our perspectives on success. 🫵 How can we also show up for those on "non-traditional" paths? 🎓 In my son's senior year, among his friends and for anyone I encounter within my own career path, I aim to be mindful of offering opportunities, and continue to advocate for those whose paths diverge significantly. #AccessToEducation #SuccessPaths #ParentingJourney #ChangingNarratives

Figuring out how to pay for college is a daunting task for so many college students, I myself am trying to guide my two girls in the right direction to navigate how to pay for college- I love telling them about scholarship opportunities to give them something to strive towards in the future. Very excited about Ellucian's Student Financial Success solutions that help our higher ed partners, guide students on the right path, check out Scholarship Universe and how these students used this tool and let me know if you want to learn more about it. #studentsuccess #studentfinancialsuccess #Ellucian