I used to (struggle/ need help) with the finances when it came to school. Education is Forever helped me by helping me be able to move away from my toxic household and put money down for school and also my dorm. Because of EiF I was able to go to school and get away from my bad home life. School was no longer a fantasy I dreamed of but a reality all because EiF was able to give me what I needed to get started.

I used to struggle with overcoming my lack of ambition. Education is Forever helped me by providing the reassurance I needed to take action and responsibility for my education so I can continue without excuses. Because of EiF I was able to gain an appreciation for higher education and value the decision I made with staying in school.

I used to struggle in attaining motivation in pursuing my education, while struggling with poverty and lack of resources in South Central LA. Education is Forever helped me by mentoring me about life and the importance of education. Because of EiF I was able to break systematic barriers that oppose me from achieving my goals.

Wants to be a nurse because she likes helping people, especially in urgent situations like medical care. Wants to learn sign language to better support patients as she sees how translating English into Spanish helps patients understand their situations. Mentor has strong support role - “When I’m going through an episode, I reach out to my mentor. She’s a positive soul and really gets me” “I was not feeling confident about Chemistry. Irene and my mentor got me a tutor” EiF is helpful because: “they give you a mentor which is important when you need someone to talk to if you have no one or can’t talk to anyone” ” they try to find you resources that you need like money that you get to use for whatever you need like rent”

Wants to be a veterinarian. Likes helping people but not very social so wants to help animals because “they make people happy” Mentor helps give insight on how to understand community college system and how to navigate it to reach veterinarian goal. “ I feel more familiar with college and how to get through it” EiF program makes him feel “more motivated to go through college with other people” in similar situations as it is “helpful to hear other people’s stories about how they make it through”. huddle ups are “cool and help us motivate each other when we congratulate each other on our accomplishments” “Scholarship not only gives money but a community of people who want to help you so you don’t feel alone and confused”

Hello and good afternoon Aaron, I just received the package. Thank you guys sooooo much for everything!! I mean every you guys have done. You guys paired me with an amazing mentor, who I really relate too in so many ways not just career paths but personal, for all the meetings (huddles ups) in where you guys provide so much information. When I tell you I had no clue of what to do after I gained my high school diploma I mean it. I didn't know the process of anything, and to be honest I'm just so grateful for everything, never did I think I'd even get to a high school diploma but I finally did, and it helped break a cycle within my family as no one had ever completed a diploma, my parents never made it passed an elementary education. Now I see my brother who gained the confidence and determination to finish school as well. I can't describe the feeling and if I had to write it down I'd go on and on in circles. God bless you guys always. I'm sooo excited now I'm just waiting hoping everything goes well so I can return back to school. Once again thank you ALLL for helping me get a step closer to where I dream of!!