Growing up with a single mother has been one of the most influential parts of my life. From a young age, I watched my mom work tirelessly to support our family, often balancing multiple jobs and responsibilities to make sure we never lacked anything important. Her resilience and determination showed me what strength really looks like—how to keep pushing forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Watching her sacrifice taught me that success isn’t handed to anyone; it’s earned through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering mindset. Living in a single-parent household wasn’t always easy. There were times when financial struggles made things tight, and I had to learn early on that my actions mattered—not just for me, but for my family. I took on responsibility beyond what many kids my age face. I balanced school, sports, extracurriculars, and even business ventures while helping out at home. This sense of accountability shaped me into someone who is disciplined, organized, and ready to tackle challenges head-on. It taught me how to manage pressure, stay focused, and make sacrifices without losing sight of my goals. My mom’s journey inspired me to be more than just a bystander in my own life. It pushed me to become a leader—whether that’s on the basketball court as team captain, in my community through my business The Jazzy Gator, or academically in my pursuit of a STEM degree. I learned that leadership isn’t about titles or being the loudest voice; it’s about showing up consistently, supporting others, and lifting people as you climb. Her example drives me to create opportunities not just for myself but for others who face similar obstacles. More than anything, growing up with a single mother shaped my purpose. It gave me a deep desire to give back and uplift communities like mine. I want to use my education and future career in technology to build tools that empower underserved people and help break cycles of hardship. I want to be a role model for young Black girls growing up in single-parent homes, showing them that their circumstances don’t define their future—hard work, resilience, and self-belief do. In short, my mother’s strength is the foundation of my own. Her journey taught me perseverance, self-reliance, and compassion, and these values continue to guide me every day as I work toward my dreams and strive to make a positive impact on the world around me.

My name is Chloe, and I am a passionate student with a deep interest in basketball, music, entrepreneurship, and technology. Growing up in a single-parent household has taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and determination. From a young age, I was naturally curious about how things work, which sparked my fascination with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For me, STEM represents more than just academics—it’s a way to solve problems, create opportunities, and build a better future not only for myself but also for my community. A personal experience that truly shaped my interest in STEM occurred during my sophomore year of high school. Our class was assigned a group project to design a simple app that could help students organize their homework and deadlines. Although I had little coding experience, I volunteered to lead the project’s programming portion. I spent countless hours teaching myself basic coding languages, troubleshooting bugs, and working to make the app user-friendly and effective. When we presented the finished product, our teacher praised the app’s creativity and functionality, and I felt a strong sense of accomplishment. That project was a turning point for me. It revealed the incredible power technology has to bring ideas to life and solve everyday problems. From that moment on, I was determined to dive deeper into computer science. I began enrolling in online courses, joining STEM clubs at school, and searching for internships that would allow me to gain hands-on experience. Each step I take in the field only increases my excitement, because STEM is dynamic and constantly evolving. There is always a new challenge to tackle and new innovations to explore. What inspires me most about STEM is its potential to uplift communities and create real social impact. I want to use my education to develop technology that supports underserved communities, particularly Black-owned businesses and youth who lack access to resources. My goal is to create tools that empower others, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. I am committed to using my passion for STEM not only to build a successful career but also to be a role model and mentor for other young people who look like me. Through hard work and determination, I believe I can inspire others to pursue their goals in STEM and contribute to creating a more equitable and innovative futureI understand that technology is constantly changing, and I am excited to keep learning and growing alongside it. My hope is to one day create innovative solutions that make a lasting difference in the lives of many, especially those in communities like mine.

My interest in pursuing a computer science degree began in high school when I realized how technology shapes nearly every aspect of our lives. I was fascinated by how coding and software development can solve problems, automate tasks, and create entirely new ways for people to connect and communicate. Taking my first programming classes opened my eyes to a world of endless possibilities, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I am excited by the challenge of learning new languages and building projects that have real impact. Computer science feels like a perfect fit for my problem-solving mindset and creativity. After earning my degree, my goal is to become a software engineer and eventually launch my own tech company focused on developing solutions for small businesses and underserved communities. I want to create apps and platforms that help Black-owned businesses thrive by simplifying operations, expanding access to customers, and providing tools for growth. Ultimately, I see technology as a way to empower communities and close opportunity gaps. My dream job involves not just writing code but leading innovative projects that make a difference. I believe I am the best candidate for this scholarship because of my dedication, resilience, and clear vision for how I want to use my education to give back. Despite financial challenges, I have maintained strong academics and leadership roles, balancing sports, business ventures, and community service. This scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and professional development. More importantly, I am committed to using this opportunity to lift others as I rise through mentorship, community programs, and entrepreneurship making a positive impact far beyond myselfI believe I am the best candidate for this scholarship because of my dedication, resilience, and clear vision for how I want to use my education to give back. Despite financial challenges, I have maintained strong academics and leadership roles, balancing sports, business ventures, and community service. This scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and professional development. More importantly, I am committed to using this opportunity to lift others as I rise through mentorship, community programs, and entrepreneurship making a positive impact far beyond myself.

Charity means giving back in a way that uplifts and empowers others, especially in communities like mine where opportunities can be limited. Through The Jazzy Gator, my Cajun-Creole food business, I want to create more than just a place to enjoy great food—I want to build a space that celebrates Black culture and supports my community. The Jazzy Gator combines authentic Creole flavors with live music and local art, providing a platform for Black artists and musicians to shine. Beyond that, I plan to host community events like workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and cooking skills, making these resources accessible to young people and adults alike. I also envision launching a mentorship program focused on young Black girls interested in entrepreneurship and STEM, giving them guidance, support, and opportunities to grow their skills. By sourcing ingredients from local Black-owned businesses and providing internships, The Jazzy Gator will help stimulate the local economy and create jobs for neighborhood youth. Charity for me is about creating real opportunities and connections that make a difference. Through The Jazzy Gator, I plan to give back by building a space that nurtures talent, celebrates culture, and provides tools for success. I believe success is meaningful only when it lifts up others, and I’m committed to using my business as a platform to do just that.

Innovation is at the heart of every culture, and technology is the bridge that connects tradition with the future.One of the projects I’m most passionate about is The Jazzy Gator, a Cajun-Creole food business I co-created to bring the vibrant flavors, music, and culture of Louisiana to life in my community. What began as a simple food cart idea quickly grew into a full experience combining authentic cuisine, live jazz performances, and opportunities to showcase local Black artists. Being part of every stage from designing the food cart’s layout and menu to managing digital marketing and inventory showed me how deeply technology can transform a passion project into a thriving business. Working on The Jazzy Gator taught me that technology isn’t just about programming or algorithms it’s about problem solving and creativity. I used digital tools to streamline orders and inventory management, making sure we could handle busy events without losing quality or speed. We used social media platforms and digital campaigns to build a loyal following and create buzz, reaching people far beyond what traditional advertising could do. These tech driven solutions allowed us to focus on what really matters connecting with customers and creating a space where culture, food, and music come together. This project opened my eyes to the endless possibilities technology offers for community building and empowerment. It showed me that I could use my passion for tech to not only innovate but also uplift others. As a computer science student, I am inspired to develop software and applications that support Black-owned businesses, improve access to education, and create resources for underserved communities. I want to build platforms that help entrepreneurs manage their operations more efficiently and connect with customers, investors, and collaborators. In this way, technology becomes a tool for economic empowerment and cultural celebration. What inspires me most about working in technology is how dynamic and ever-changing it is. There is always a new language to learn, a new problem to solve, or a new way to create. This constant evolution challenges me to grow, think critically, and collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds. Technology pushes me to innovate while staying grounded in the purpose behind what I build. Beyond the business side, my experience with The Jazzy Gator helped me understand the importance of representation and storytelling in tech. I want to use technology to preserve and share Black culture, stories, and history making sure our voices are heard and celebrated in digital spaces that shape the future. I believe that blending culture and technology creates powerful narratives that inspire and connect people on a deeper level. Ultimately, my passion for technology is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Whether I’m coding an app to help small businesses thrive or designing digital tools for community programs, I want to build with intention, heart, and purpose. The Jazzy Gator taught me that technology can be a powerful bridge linking tradition with innovation, culture with opportunity, and individuals with their dreams. As I continue my journey in computer science, I’m excited to explore how technology can create inclusive spaces and empower communities just like mine. This passion fuels my goals and reminds me that every line of code has the potential to change lives.

Pressure either breaks you or builds you and I’ve learned how to turn pressure into power. My senior year was one of the hardest and most defining years of my life. It was supposed to be the year I cruised through, celebrated, and enjoyed the rewards of everything I had worked for. But instead, it became the year that tested my strength, my focus, and my ability to lead under pressure. I was a three-sport varsity athlete captain of the basketball team while also competing in varsity swim and track. On top of that, I was helping run The Jazzy Gator, my own Creole food business, applying to colleges, completing scholarship applications, and interning with the Houston City Council. I was constantly moving from one commitment to the next often changing out of a suit from City Hall and straight into a jersey for basketball practice. And while I tried to smile through it all, behind the scenes, I was running on fumes. There were days I felt overwhelmed and honestly, like giving up. Nights when I got home late and still had homework to finish or emails to send. Mornings when I had to remind myself why I was doing all of this in the first place. But I never quit. Instead, I started moving with more purpose. I mapped out every hour of my day, learned to say no when I needed to, and leaned into prayer, family, and friends who supported me. I reminded myself that I wasn’t just doing this for me I was doing it for every Black girl watching who needs proof that it’s possible to be excellent in every room you walk into. Leadership became something I lived every day. As basketball captain, I made it a point to show up not just physically, but emotionally and mentally for my teammates. I made group chats to check in on people’s mindsets, led pre-game huddles with energy, and stepped in when things got tense. Off the court, I led as an entrepreneur helping my team keep The Jazzy Gator organized, creating menus, managing events, and making sure our brand reflected pride in our culture. In City Council, I learned what leadership looks like in government writing memos, attending meetings, and helping my community from the inside out. Senior year taught me that leadership isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up when things are tough, finding your voice, and using your platform to lift others up. I learned how to lead under pressure, how to pivot, and how to stay grounded in who I am even when life gets chaotic. Now, I don’t run from challenges. I embrace them. Because pressure has shaped me into a leader who’s ready to take on anything and help others rise in the process.

As a computer science major and aspiring tech entrepreneur, my journey as a STEM student has already included challenges that go beyond the classroom. While I’m deeply passionate about technology and the power it has to transform communities, I’ve learned that passion alone doesn’t pay for admissions tests, application fees, or certification programs. These costs create real barriers for students like me students who are smart, driven, and hungry to make a difference, but often forced to choose between investing in their future and helping their families stay afloat. Coming from a single parent household, I’ve had to be extremely resourceful. I work hard in school, take on leadership roles, and still look for side opportunities to support myself. But the cost of moving forward in this field is more than tuition. There are fees for the GRE, tech certifications like AWS or CompTIA, online courses that teach updated programming languages, and even fees just to submit applications for internships or graduate programs. These things are critical in a competitive field like computer science, where access to opportunities often depends on who can afford the extra investment. The financial pressure can be overwhelming and sometimes, it feels like the system isn’t built for people like me. That’s why receiving this scholarship would mean so much. It would relieve a huge financial burden and give me the space to fully commit to my goals. I wouldn’t have to worry about choosing between buying a test prep book or helping my mom with groceries. Instead, I could invest in the tools and training I need to build a solid foundation in tech. I’d have the freedom to attend industry events, apply to tech fellowships, and participate in competitions that would sharpen my skills and expand my network. Most importantly, I’d be able to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and preparing to lead. In the future, I plan to use my computer science degree to develop software that supports small businesses and community organizations especially those in underserved Black and Brown neighborhoods. I also want to open my own tech company and create jobs for people who come from the same circumstances I do. I’ve seen firsthand how a little opportunity can change someone’s entire life, and I want to be someone who creates those opportunities for others. Whether it’s starting a mentorship program for young Black girls in STEM, offering free tech literacy courses, or building scholarship funds for students like me, I’m committed to giving back. This scholarship isn’t just an investment in my education it’s an investment in the future I want to build. A future where students from all backgrounds, no matter their financial situation, can thrive in STEM and use their success to uplift their communities. With your support, I’ll continue pushing forward not just for me, but for everyone watching who needs to know that it’s possible.

In the future, I want to build a career that blends my passions for technology, entrepreneurship, and community uplift. As a computer science major, I plan to use my skills to create innovative solutions that make life easier for everyday people especially in underserved communities. Long term, I want to own a tech company and use that platform to invest in other Black owned businesses, launch mentorship programs, and create jobs in my community. I also plan to expand my entrepreneurial efforts by opening a restaurant and eventually owning a WNBA team and nonprofit for youth athletes. Being Black means resilience, creativity, and excellence despite the odds. It means carrying the strength of my ancestors and walking with the confidence that I am enough, even in spaces where I may be underestimated. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to be in an environment that affirms who I am and helps me grow into the leader I know I can be. At an HBCU, I’m not just another student,I’m part of a legacy of greatness. It’s a space where Black excellence is expected, nurtured, and celebrated. I knew I’d be challenged, supported, and surrounded by people who believe in the power of our culture. Being here helps me stay grounded in my purpose: to build, to lead, and to make room for others to rise with me. This isn’t just about me,it’s about every young Black person watching, knowing they can dream big and make it real.

My experience with mental health has been both challenging and transformative. Like many young people, I’ve had moments where I felt overwhelmed by pressure—academic expectations, personal responsibilities, and trying to keep everything together while still figuring out who I am. At times, this led to anxiety and burnout. But facing those struggles head-on helped me build resilience, and more importantly, taught me the value of self-awareness and asking for help. Because of this journey, my goals have shifted from simply “succeeding” to building a life rooted in purpose and balance. I want to pursue a career that not only aligns with my passions but also gives back to others—especially in areas where mental health is overlooked. I’ve become more interested in leadership, advocacy, and creating safe spaces where people can be their full selves. This experience has also changed how I show up in my relationships. I’m more empathetic and patient, not just with others but with myself. I understand now that everyone is carrying something invisible, and sometimes the best thing you can do is listen and be present. Most of all, my perspective on the world has expanded. I see mental health not as a weakness, but as a crucial part of the human experience. I believe in fighting the stigma, especially in underrepresented communities where silence often replaces support. If awarded this scholarship, I’ll carry that mission forward—not just in what I achieve, but in how I help others along the way.

Playing competitive golf has shaped who I am in ways that go far beyond the course. Through countless rounds and tournaments, I’ve learned that character is built in the quiet, focused moments—when you’re alone with your thoughts, facing pressure, and still expected to perform with integrity and grace. Golf has taught me patience, mental toughness, and how to bounce back from failure without losing confidence. One of the biggest lessons golf taught me is the importance of accountability. Unlike many team sports, golf places the responsibility of every stroke, decision, and outcome entirely on you. There’s no one to blame or hide behind. You learn to own your mistakes, correct them, and move forward with a clear mind. That has helped me not only as an athlete but as a student and a young entrepreneur. Whether I’m leading my senior class, building my food business (The Jazzy Gator), or organizing events, I take responsibility for my actions and learn from every experience. Competitive golf also taught me how to stay composed under pressure. I’ve played in matches where one hole made the difference between winning and losing. In those moments, it’s not just your swing that matters—it’s your mindset. Staying calm and focused while the pressure builds is a skill I now carry into all parts of my life. Whether I’m preparing for a big presentation, managing multiple responsibilities, or facing setbacks, I’ve learned to breathe, refocus, and keep going. Another key lesson from golf is integrity. In golf, you’re expected to be honest with your score—even when no one’s looking. That sense of honesty and sportsmanship has stuck with me. I apply it in school when working on group projects, and in business when dealing with customers. I understand that true character means doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy or convenient. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a degree in computer science with a minor in sports management, all while growing The Jazzy Gator into a larger brand. I want to inspire other young people to follow their passions and lead with integrity. Golf didn’t just teach me how to compete—it taught me how to carry myself with character, and that’s a lesson I will use for the rest of my life. In the future, I also hope to return to the game as a mentor, helping younger golfers develop not only their swing but also their mindset. I believe the values golf instills—patience, honesty, and perseverance—can change lives the same way they changed mine. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry the lessons I learned on the course with me. Golf gave me more than just a sport; it gave me a foundation to build a meaningful and purpose-driven life.