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Fostering Futures provides scholarship grants to students attending the full gamut of schools, from vocational training to the Ivy League. Following is a sampling of some of our scholarship recipients, along with a listing of Fostering Futures scholarship recipient graduates.:
Melinda – University of California Davis, B.A. History Krystal – Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley, B.S. Business Administration Kennisha - California State University East Bay, B.S. Biological Science Malcolm – University of California Berkeley, B.A. African American Studies Srinivas – San Francisco State University, B.S. Computer Science Kedra – Solano Community College, A.A. Cosmetology Salonge – California State University Stanislaus, B.A. Sociology James – Diablo Valley College, A.A. Stacey - National Holistic Institute, Certification in Massage Therapy Aaron - Princeton University, B.A., Politics Janay - California State University Sacramento, B.A., Social Sciences |
Matthew has learned to be independent the hard way. When he was nine years old, his older brother, and only father figure, was the victim of a violent death, and then at 15 he became orphaned when his mother passed away. Now at San Jose State University, this mature, self-motivated, confident young man is working toward a degree in Communications. Working at the student operated radio station 90.5 KSJS, he aspires to be a broadcaster. He is halfway through his college career, well on the road to success, and serves as an excellent role model for other foster youth.
Aaron having graduated from Princeton University, has started his law school studies at Boalt Hall, University of California Berkeley. This young man has come a long way from his childhood in a violent neighborhood. Born to a sometimes violent schizophrenic mother and an absentee father, Aaron was raised by a loving aunt and uncle, his career goal is to focus on foster law and work in the community.
Ross plans to attend the Police Academy after receiving his degree in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University Stanislaus. He continues to work 20 to 30 hours a week to pay his expenses, as he has since started college. Now recovered from a knee injury, he is again participating in his favorite sport, soccer, on the University team.
Cara is in her final year at California State University Sacramento, where she will receive a degree in Accountancy. This bright, energetic, personable young woman served on the board of her college’s accountany society. Upon graduation, her goal is to first attain her license as a Certified Public Account and then set her sights on graduate school.
Troy has been in the foster system since he was six years old, being moved from place to place, and, as he says, “switching schools like they were clothes.” Attending four different high schools, his grades suffered and Troy realized he had to work extra hard in order to graduate. His last year in high school, while working a part-time job, he managed to stay after class and make up needed credits so he could graduate on time. Now he will work toward the career of his dreams, working as a mechanic on a NASCAR pit crew. He has been admitted to the NASCAR Technical Institute in North Carolina for their 63-week technical training. With Troy’s determination and perseverance, we look forward to following his progress on the path to success.
Daniella is nearing completion of her undergraduate studies in nursing at the Samuel Merritt/St. Mary's Intercollegiate BSN Program. She loves getting clinical experience and was selected to serve a summer internship at Kaiser Hospital Oakland. This young lady balances being a loving single mom with part-time work, volunteer activities, and also commuting between the two campuses for her nursing studies.
Toni plans to attend law school after graduating from San Jose State University. After the death of her mother, Toni lived with her maternal grandmother. It was during Toni’s first two years of college that her grandmother became ill and passed away. Her academics suffered during that period, but, now emotionally recovered, she is a Dean’s Scholar, belongs to two national honors societies, and is doing an internship in Justice Court. This serious and dedicated young woman lives with her fraternal grandmother, who provides loving guidance and support.
Kevin has struggled with housing issues and other day-to-day challenges that often plague foster youth. In spite of those difficulties, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a degree is Political Science and Sociology. Now in his junior year at San Jose State University, Kevin is close to reaching his educational goals. He continues to find time for volunteer activities, which this past year included a project to assist Katrina victims, and aspires to have a career in public service. This personable young man enjoys meeting new people, likes sports, and has participated in student government.
Juan found his first year at San Francisco State University a real adjustment, but this mature, motivated and remarkable young man fought his way through the challenges and is comfortably starting his sophomore year. Although exposed to gang life at an early age, Juan decided to use his difficult experiences as an opportunity to learn and also help others, which he does through tutoring other foster youth. His enthusiasm, compassion and positive outlook on life will help him succeed at whatever he pursues.
Ian, after receiving a B.S. in Psychology in December 2007, plans to take time off from school to gain work experience in her chosen field, after which she will likely apply to graduate school. Working two jobs while attending school, she particularly enjoyed working at San Francisco General Hospital, where she was a research assistant to the Department of Psychiatry. Ian has always maintained excellent grades while balancing a full and challenging schedule.
Melinda has graduated from University of California at Davis with a B.A. in History and has transferred to California State University Stanislaus to work toward a teaching credential, which will lead to the culmination of her goal, to return to her home town of Modesto and become a high school history teacher. She continues to receive excellent grades, yet admits each year has been more difficult for her.
Jamelia has had more hardship in her young life than most of us face in a lifetime. After the death of both parents, Jamelia spent time in numerous foster homes. Now, as a young adult, she has learned to rely on herself, and has shown great success through hard work and good academic performance. Now a junior at St. Mary’s College, she is majoring in psychology and English.
Low decided in 2006 to move to Northern California to attempt to address some family issues. Having already completed one year at California State University Fresno, and, with few choices in Redding, Low chose to spend a year at Shasta Community College. Successfully resolving family issues and also successfully completing classes with transferable units, he returned to California State University Fresno, where he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. This mature young man feels he can move toward his personal goals, having reconciled with family.
Tiffany, a Senior at San Francisco State University, attended a pre-law boot camp at University of California Davis and remains dedicated to pursuing a law degree after receiving her B.S. in Criminal Justice. Tiffany’s ultimate goal is to work with juveniles in the foster care system. Although grateful for her supportive foster mother, Tiffany realizes not all foster children have the same experience. Her concern for children who fall through gaps in the system has fueled her desire to obtain a law degree and advocate for change.
Peter is completing his studies in Political Science at Seattle University. Although he has worked long hours during his college career, Peter has always found time to also be involved in community service. During summers he is able to pursue one of his passions, the performing arts. Whatever path Peter follows, we know he will have a successful future.
Shane went into foster care upon the death of his mother. At that time he became dedicated to setting a good example for his younger siblings, which, indeed, he has done. In his second year at San Francisco State University, Shane continues to not only get good grades but has become an active member of the community, participating in sports, meeting new people through activities such as river rafting . He has tackled learning about his new home town of San Francisco and enjoyed everything from going to the beach to participating in the Bay to Breakers marathon. His zest for life is evident in his enthusiasm and dedication to his educational goals, which include a degree in business.
Anthony plans to get a teaching credential after graduating from Vanguard University in Southern California. His majors are history and political science, but his real passion is community service. This ambitious young man has faced many challenges and, although often working as much as 30 hours a week, has had to juggle financial hardship with a demanding school schedule. He is close to reaching his goals.
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