Edinna is a first-generation American of parents who emigrated from Tanzania and Nigeria. She recently graduated from Sonoma State with a BS in Biology and a BA in Women’s Gender Studies/Sexuality. The co-founder of the community organization Grace Period, a community organization dedicated to supporting unhoused and marginalized individuals in the Bay Area, she is committed to supporting those in her community through communal action.

She will pursue her masters in Global Health Studies this fall at UCSF, in San Francisco.  From her experiences thus far, she seeks to continue centering the "need for communities to have peace of living without fear and the joy of loving–to better understand drivers amongst key health challenges transnationally."

Leslie is beginning her post-secondary education at PVCC in Albermarle County, VA. She spent the majority of her childhood in Mexico until her matriculation to high school. Upon moving to the US, as a native Spanish speaker living away from family, she had to overcome numerous language, cultural, and relational challenges in her educational journey.

As a first-generation college student, Leslie is committed to furthering her education to better her future and the community around her. She plans to major in Global Studies so that she can learn more about the different regions and cultures of the world. In her own words, "My hope is that I can advocate for people around the world that are in need of support."

Mr. Deon M. Garner, Sr. is the principal of Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Garner's career in education began in February, 2002, in which he has taught Spanish and coached a very successful speech and debate team for more than 10 years.

He is committed to furthering his education in his pursuit of a Master of Divinity from Hampton University. As a first-generation college graduate every step of the way from Morehouse College in 1999, Mr. Garner has been committed to the transformational power of education for over 25 years.  He attributes his success to strong faith, love for family, and empathy for just about every person he meets.

Thank you to everyone that supported the inaugural FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship! Every like, repost, share, and forward to a loved one, colleague, or mentee helped three highly qualified students receive a scholarship award to support their matriculation into higher education!

I'm grateful to be able to present the second annual FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship this year to three more brilliant students beginning their next phase of studies. Please share this page and the documents below with anyone who might be interested! 

For more information, please check out the flyer and application below! 

UPDATE: Due to a generous donation from supporters of the FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship, this year's scholarship award will now be $1,000 for each of the three selected recipients!!!

The 2024 Application is now CLOSED.

As a high school senior, I spent so much time in the post office, I got to know the postal workers on a first name basis. 

Not for a love of the USPS, but because I applied to almost every applicable scholarship I could find. And not for want of recognition or selfish ambition, but because I knew that the costs of a college education were more than I, or my family, could afford. 

Eight years later, I reflect on the many individuals and organizations that entrusted me with a duty: pay it forward. I intend to do just that.

With that aim in mind, I’m starting a scholarship dedicated to first-generation students! There is a great power in education and I hope to do my part towards uplifting the generations to follow as we all collectively climb.  

For more information, please check out the flyer and application below! Please share with anyone who might be interested! 

The 2023 Application is now closed.