Scholarship Stories
United Way of Long Island's DREAMS for Youth Scholarship Program provides scholarships to deserving students so that they may achieve their academic dreams of continuing their education. Here is a reflection from scholarship recipient Oscar of Brentwood, who is studying at Suffolk Community College with assistance from a Camilla G. Belser Memorial Scholarship.
Hello, my name is Oscar and I had the honor of being selected as a recipient of the Camilla Belser Scholarship. This scholarship has not only helped me financially, but has also allowed me to focus on my school work. As a first…
United Way of Long Island's DREAMS for Youth Scholarship Program provides scholarships to deserving students so that they may achieve their academic dreams of continuing their education. Here is a reflection from scholarship recipient Anna of Lindenhurst, who moved across the country to study science in California:
I experienced more than I ever thought was possible during my first fall semester at the University of California, Berkeley. I took on quite a large workload, which was many more units that is recommended for starting freshmen. Yes, it was quite challenging as I did an…
As United Way of Long Island DREAMS for Youth Scholarship recipients complete their first year of college, they often send reflections on what they've learned and how their scholarship helped them find their way. Here are just some of their stories:
My first year of college is officially over, and although it has been the most academically and emotionally challenging year of my life, I can honestly say that I can not wait to do it all over again. Without the DREAMS for Youth Scholarship, I would not have had the opportunity to attend a school like Monmouth University, and because of this I am…
When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated her home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2010, Reina barely understood what was happening. She watched the only life she ever knew shake, shatter and crumble until all that was left was the vague sense that she’d never return to the normalcy she once had.
Later that year, having lost neighbors and friends, she uprooted her life completely and came to the United States. As she started fifth grade, Reina found herself struggling with a new environment, new culture and a new language. “I struggled to learn English and to make new friends. I even struggled…
The Anthony J. Stupore Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to provide a pathway to success for students who have shown a passion for giving back to their community, and demonstrated a commitment to excelling in academics.
A bright and accomplished young woman, Epiphany has learned to take life’s challenges and turn them into opportunity. At the age of three, Epiphany was diagnosed with Ocular Albinism – a rare genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of her eyes – as well as Nystagmus, or involuntary eye movements. At the age of four, diagnosed as legally blind, she underwent an…
The Anthony J. Stupore Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to provide a pathway to success for students who have shown a passion for giving back to their community, and demonstrated a commitment to excelling in academics.
Kierra is a 2016 graduate of Valley Stream South High School. She served as President of the Class of 2016, an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a talented athlete. With a weighted average of 101.63, she was ranked 7th in her class of 205 students and ranked in the top percentile on her SATs. As an active member of numerous clubs and extracurricular activities including…
After studying abroad in Florence, United Way of Long Island DREAMS for Youth Scholarship recipient Marie St-Cyr shares her thoughts on the experience, made possible by an enrichment scholarship.
What is the educational experience abroad like? How does it compare to that at home?
The educational experience abroad is very different from the one back at my home college. At the Lorenzo De Medici the teachers help us learn about the way we approach art instead of just creating it. The process behind the artwork is more important than the technicality. I feel that I have definitely grown a lot…
United Way of Long Islands The DREAMS for Youth Scholarship Fund is a program that awards grants in the areas of Academics, Community Service, & Enrichment. These grants are awarded to students by students as the DREAMS for Youth Advisory Board, is comprised of grade 7-12 students that work under the guidance of United Way of Long Island Staff.
When it came to her peers deciding on a worthy scholarship recipient, they quickly saw that Rachel Gladstone full filled all of the requirements needed and more.
Rachel grew up with Caleb Smith State Park as her backyard. This is where the…