How it all began (hint: it started with students)
Ten years ago, Aaron and Irene met while working at a school called CCEO YouthBuild, where they had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of young people. Officially, they were the teachers — but in reality, their students were some of their greatest teachers.
Every day, students showed them what resilience looks like. They challenged assumptions, pushed through obstacles, and reminded Aaron and Irene why education matters far beyond grades or diplomas. That inspiration never left.
Five years later, when Aaron proposed to Irene, she said yes — with one condition.
Instead of a diamond ring meant to last forever, their love would create something that truly could.
That ring became a scholarship.
Rather than investing in a diamond, Aaron and Irene chose to invest in students, opportunity, and the belief that education changes lives across generations. The money that would have gone toward a ring became the very first Education Is Forever Scholarship — and the name stuck.
What began as a personal promise to each other quickly grew into something bigger: a commitment to the young people who had already taught them so much. Education Is Forever became a reminder that love, when rooted in purpose, can grow far beyond two people — and last far longer than any diamond.
From that moment on, Education Is Forever has been about turning belief into action and ensuring that students who have been left out of traditional systems are seen, supported, and empowered to build the futures they deserve.
supports students and families with planning for future college funding by providing personalized 1-on-1 financial aid assistance.
We guide you step-by-step through the FAFSA application process and offer bilingual support to ensure every family feels confident and informed.
Before You Apply, Please Have:
Social Security Number or ITIN (for student, parent, or guardian)
2024 Federal Tax Return
Access to email and phone (to receive important verification messages)
We warmly welcome parents and guardians to actively participate in the financial aid and scholarship application process. Our goal is to make college funding clear, accessible, and achievable for every family.
A scholarship is money you don’t have to pay back — and we help you find ones that fit you. Learn who can apply, what scholarships cover (tuition, school supplies, or even housing), and how to apply with confidence.
Your contribution goes beyond meeting basic needs—it empowers individuals to reclaim their independence and dignity. By supporting vital programs like education, job training, and mental health services, you’re helping refugees build a sustainable future.
is money given to a student to help pay for school — and the best part is, you don’t have to pay it back.
Think of it as financial support that helps cover the cost of going to college or a training program. Scholarships can help pay for:
A leadership enrichment program for current and former community college students committed to creating meaningful change in their communities. Advising: Personalized, one-on-one support with FAFSA completion, scholarship and grant applications, and navigating every step of the college enrollment journey.
Your donations provide essential resources that transform lives, uplift communities, and create a lasting legacy of opportunity through education.
