Scholarship Stories

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…
Kristyne is an ambitious young woman who aspires to her future career as a neuropsychologist. As a United Way of Long Island D.R.E.A.M.S. For Youth Scholarship recipient, she is working toward making her dream a reality.    She is an old soul, wise beyond her years. Although going through an extreme hardship in her life, Kristyne has continued to persist and work hard through her studies and volunteerism. As a survivor of abuse at the hands of a close family member, she was carrying a burden that no one at any age should carry. She didn't let this destroy her; she ultimately found her voice…
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 Toni of Southold, who feels like college is now her second home: I was honored to receive this scholarship to help me pursue my goals at Marist College. It has opened the door fo many opportunities I may not have found elsewhere. This scholarship has shown that I should believe in my future success and have confidence in myself because other people have, which…