Scholarship Stories
Pavani, a 2019 High School graduate and D.R.E.A.M.S for Youth Scholarship recipient, attended Stony Brook University majoring in Biochemistry and Sociology. The D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth scholarship eased Pavani’s financial burden, enabling her to financially support herself in paying for tuition, fees, and textbooks.
Pavani accepted a cancer research internship with plans to pursue medical school.
“This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and give back in a way that is meaningful to the community and to my future goals. Your generosity has inspired me,” said Pavani. “Thank you for…
Jennefer achieved her dream of pursuing a career in science. She was the first high school graduate in her family and the first to be accepted into university. Jennefer had no one in her family to turn to about the college experience and no plan to pay for it.
With the help of United Way of Long Island, Jennefer earned her bachelor’s in mathematics and computer science and master’s in applied mathematics and is now a Senior Applications Analyst at the Collider Accelerator Department within Brookhaven National Laboratory.
“I remember receiving the D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship award…
Robert
D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipients
When Robert was exploring college options during his junior year at Huntington High School, he fell in love with New York University’s rigorous actor training, alumni connections and location. And in his first academic year at NYU, United Way of Long Island’s D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program gave him the opportunity to pursue his acting dreams in the city he spent his childhood admiring.
Growing up with a Caribbean background, Robert’s family always stressed his education above everything. Even as his family struggled…
Eric & Christopher
Anthony J. Stupore Memorial Scholarship Fund Recipients
D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipients
Eric and Christopher are twin brothers who graduated from Seaford High School. Their father was absent for most of their childhood, while their mother struggled to raise and support three children and a 101-year-old grandparent on a teacher’s assistant salary.
The family situation created significant financial hardship and left the boys distressed. Throughout high school, both brothers held jobs to help contribute to the family finances. But following high school,…
Sam
D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipient
During his time as a student at Baldwin High School, Sam developed a passion for law and government. He found himself enamored by political science and economics, and with the help of United Way of Long Island’s D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program, he was able to pursue those interests at University at Albany, SUNY.
Growing up in Baldwin wasn’t always easy for Sam or his parents, who immigrated to America from El Salvador following the Salvadoran Civil War. They began a new life from scratch, and as Sam grew older, he saw the values of…
Priya
D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Recipient
While most Columbia University freshmen began their college experience virtually this past year, Priya was one of the few on campus in Manhattan. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, students were forced to apply for the limited space offered in the dorms this past year. Priya’s ability to live on campus gave her the freedom she lacked at home, and with the help of United Way of Long Island’s D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth Scholarship Program, she was able to pursue her interest in the medical field.
Priya hasn’t yet declared a major, but she’s leaning…
Tahjaray
Patricia Michels Memorial Scholarship RecipientYouthBuild Graduate
Tahjaray is no stranger to challenges or adversities. She has faced several in her lifetime but always came out stronger than she was before. She moved from Virginia to New York to provide a better life for herself and her son.
The search for an improved quality of life led her to YouthBuild Long Island. Her goal was to gain her TASC high school equivalency diploma because, without it, college was not possible and her job prospects were few.
The YouthBuild curriculum and activities brought out the best in…
Christopher & Eric
Anthony J. Stupore DREAMS Scholarship Recipients
Eric and Christopher are twin brothers who graduated from Seaford High School. Both have overcome adversity in their lives. Their father, absent for most of the time due to addiction and incarceration, left the family when the boys were young. Their mother struggled to raise and support three children and a grandparent on her salary as a teacher’s assistant. The family situation created significant financial hardship and left the boys emotionally distressed. Throughout high school, both brothers held jobs to help…
La’Kasha
Patricia Michels Memorial Scholarship Recipient
YouthBuild Graduate
La’Kasha is a career-focused, compassionate, patient and adaptable young woman. She entered YouthBuild Long Island to improve her education qualifications and career training. Currently, she has secured her TASC high school equivalency diploma and plans on attending college for a nursing degree.
The road has not been easy for La’Kasha; pursuing higher education means navigating through a tight schedule at home, caring for her children, in order to complete the required training hours. She is relentless in her…
Marie
DREAMS For Youth Scholarship Recipient
Marie is a strong-willed and accomplished young woman. As a United Way of Long Island DREAMS for Youth Scholarship recipient, Marie is ensuring that she puts her education to its maximum use. Not even a year has passed since graduating college and she has already begun a thriving career as an artist, administrator and educator.
Since graduation, Marie has juggled multiple jobs while maintaining her painting practice. She worked as an artist assistant, was a lead visual arts teacher at Westbury Arts Camp, and was selected out of a 300+ applicant…