My name is Jada Jordan, and I have always been passionate about serving others, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, in a single-mom household, I saw firsthand the challenges that many families face, from limited access to resources to the need for support in school and healthcare. These experiences inspired me to find ways to use my skills, leadership, and creativity to help others in meaningful ways. One of the projects I am most proud of began during my time as president of the student council. I noticed that many students at my school struggled with access to school supplies, extracurricular opportunities, and guidance on college readiness. To address this, I led a school-wide initiative called “Tools for Success,” which collected donated supplies, books, and educational materials from local businesses and community members. I organized a team of volunteers to distribute the resources directly to students who needed them most. This project not only provided tangible support to students, but it also encouraged community involvement and fostered a culture of giving back. In addition to supporting academic needs, I wanted to create opportunities for students to develop leadership and self-confidence, especially those who might not have access to extracurricular programs outside of school. I started a peer mentorship program through Student Council that paired upperclassmen with younger students to provide academic guidance, emotional support, and encouragement. This program helped students navigate challenges in school, set personal goals, and gain confidence in their abilities. It was rewarding to see students who initially felt overlooked take pride in their accomplishments and step into leadership roles themselves. Outside of school, I have been involved in praise dancing in my church’s worship ministry, and I realized I could use this passion to serve others as well. I began organizing small workshops for younger children in our community, teaching them dance as a form of creative expression and confidence-building. These workshops were especially focused on youth from families facing economic hardships, giving them a safe space to explore their talents, express themselves, and build self-esteem. The workshops also emphasized teamwork, discipline, and faith, helping the children grow both personally and spiritually. Another initiative I took on was volunteering with local health and wellness events in underserved neighborhoods. I helped coordinate educational activities and wellness checks for families who might not have easy access to healthcare information. Through these events, I encouraged community members to ask questions, learn about nutrition, hygiene, and preventative care, and connect with resources that could improve their health and well-being. These experiences reinforced my desire to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, where I can continue serving communities that often go overlooked. Through all these projects, I learned the importance of identifying gaps in support and taking initiative to address them. I have seen firsthand how small, self-initiated efforts can create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families. By combining my leadership skills, faith, and commitment to service, I have been able to empower others, build community, and help underserved populations access opportunities they might otherwise have missed. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to continue serving marginalized communities throughout my life and career. I am committed to using my education, talents, and leadership abilities to make a difference, advocate for those who need support, and create opportunities that empower individuals to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

My name is Jada Jordan, and I am a student at Marion P. Charter High School in Newark, New Jersey. Growing up in a single-mom household has taught me resilience, determination, and the value of hard work. Watching my mom dedicate herself to providing for our family inspired me to pursue my goals with focus, faith, and a strong sense of responsibility. Living in Newark has also shown me the importance of community and the power of helping others, lessons that have shaped who I am today. Academically, I strive for excellence and enjoy challenging myself to grow. Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in several extracurricular activities that allow me to develop leadership skills and serve others. I serve as president of the student council, where I help organize school events, support my peers, and foster a positive school environment. I am also captain of the varsity cheer team, a role that has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to inspire and motivate others. In addition, I participate in my church’s praise and worship ministry as a dancer, which gives me the opportunity to express my faith while uplifting and serving my community. Being part of the ministry has taught me dedication, creativity, and how to use my talents to make a difference. Balancing school, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities has sometimes been challenging, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, time management, and problem-solving skills. After high school, I plan to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. I want to provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare to individuals in underserved communities, especially those who may face limited access to medical resources. My goal is to combine my education, leadership experience, and faith to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, offering both medical care and emotional support to help them thrive. I hope to serve as a role model, showing others that with hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves, they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to empower and support young people in under-resourced communities, helping them reach their potential academically, socially, and personally. The charity would focus on education, healthcare awareness, mentorship, and leadership development. Volunteers would mentor students, provide tutoring, organize workshops, host health and wellness programs, and create safe spaces for youth to grow and explore their talents. The charity would also partner with schools, community centers, and healthcare providers to ensure that participants receive guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to succeed. My vision is to give young people the same opportunities I have been blessed with, helping them develop confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose. Through my experiences in school, extracurricular activities, and church, I have learned the value of leadership, service, and resilience. I am committed to using my talents and opportunities to make a difference in my community. Starting a charity would allow me to extend that commitment, inspire others, and create lasting change. My faith, family, and dedication guide me in everything I do, and I am determined to continue pursuing my goals with compassion, perseverance, and purpose.

My name is Jada Jordan, and I am a student from Newark, New Jersey. Growing up in a single-mom household has taught me resilience, determination, and the value of hard work. My mom has always worked tirelessly to provide for our family, and watching her dedication has inspired me to push myself academically, personally, and spiritually. These experiences have shaped me into a young woman who is passionate about helping others, leading by example, and using my talents to make a positive impact in my community. I have always been drawn to leadership and service. I currently serve as president of the student council at my school and as captain of the varsity cheer team. These roles have given me the opportunity to develop skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while encouraging and supporting my peers. Beyond school, I am also a praise dancer in my church’s worship ministry, which allows me to serve my community, express my faith, and use my talents to uplift others. Balancing school, leadership, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities has been challenging at times, but it has strengthened my work ethic, perseverance, and sense of purpose. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner. I have always had a strong desire to care for others, and nursing provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I want to serve individuals in communities like mine, where access to quality healthcare can be limited, providing not only medical care but also support, education, and hope. I am committed to pursuing higher education because it is the key to achieving this dream. A college education will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and credentials I need to succeed in the healthcare field and become a compassionate, competent nurse practitioner. Higher education is not just about earning a degree for me; it is about preparing to make a real impact in the world. It is about gaining the tools to serve others effectively, becoming a role model for my community, and breaking barriers that exist for young women like me. I am committed to my studies because I know that the work I put in now will allow me to reach my full potential and fulfill my purpose. With my degree, I hope to advocate for patients, provide quality healthcare, and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their circumstances. I want to combine my education with my leadership and faith to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around me. Pursuing higher education is not only a step toward my career but also a way to honor my family, my community, and the values that have shaped me.

Growing up in a single-mom household in Newark has shaped me into a strong, determined, and faith-driven young woman. My mom has always worked hard to provide for our family, and seeing her dedication has inspired me to work just as hard in everything I do. At the same time, it hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments when school, cheer practice, student council responsibilities, helping at home, and my own personal goals felt overwhelming. I remember nights when I would come home exhausted, wondering how I could keep up with everything while still giving my best. During those challenging times, I turned to my faith. I prayed for guidance, strength, and focus, trusting that God would help me navigate my responsibilities. My faith reminded me that I am never alone and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and serve others. It helped me see that struggles are not meant to stop me; they are meant to prepare me for the life I hope to lead. One of the ways I find balance and encouragement is through praise dancing in my church’s worship ministry on Sundays. Dance is not only my passion, but it is also my way of giving back to my community and expressing my faith. Performing in worship teaches me discipline, patience, and dedication. On days when everything feels heavy, I find energy and peace through praise dance. It reminds me that my talents can serve a purpose greater than myself and gives me the courage to push through difficult moments. Alongside my involvement in worship, I have also taken on leadership roles at school. Serving as president of the student council and captain of the varsity cheer team has taught me responsibility, teamwork, and resilience. Balancing these roles with my academic responsibilities and family obligations has been challenging, but my faith has guided me to remain focused, disciplined, and determined to succeed. These experiences have shaped me into a young woman who understands the value of perseverance, hard work, and service. Growing up in a single-parent home has given me perspective, strength, and empathy, and my faith has been my foundation throughout it all. Relying on God has taught me that no matter how difficult life may seem, challenges can be overcome through prayer, determination, and a commitment to using my gifts to serve others. This foundation of faith and resilience drives my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. I want to care for those in my community who may not have access to quality healthcare, providing not only medical attention but also compassion, guidance, and hope. My experiences in faith, leadership, and community service have prepared me to pursue this goal, and receiving this scholarship would help me take another step toward achieving it. With God’s guidance and the support of this scholarship, I know I can continue to grow, serve, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others

My Story : By Jada Jordan Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, has shaped me into a strong, determined, and faith-driven young woman. Newark is a city full of energy, culture, and resilience. It’s a place where you learn early on that nothing is handed to you; you have to work for what you want. Living here has taught me the importance of hard work, community, and believing in myself even when things get tough. One of the biggest lessons Newark has taught me is perseverance. There have been times when I’ve faced challenges balancing school, extracurriculars, and leadership responsibilities, but I’ve always pushed through because I know where I want to go in life. I serve as the president of the student council at my school and the captain of the varsity cheer team, two roles that have helped me grow as a leader. These positions have taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the power of encouraging others. I love being a role model for my peers and showing them that no matter where you come from, you can rise above your circumstances and succeed. Outside of school, one of my greatest joys is praise dancing at my church. Dance allows me to express my faith and serve my community in a meaningful way. Through praise dance, I’ve learned discipline, creativity, and how to use my gifts to uplift others. It’s my way of giving back and spreading light, especially during difficult times. My dream is to become a nurse practitioner. I’ve always had a heart for helping others, and nursing gives me the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives. I want to provide compassionate care, especially to those in communities like mine where access to healthcare can be limited. Becoming a nurse practitioner isn’t just a career goal; it’s my calling. This scholarship would mean so much to me and my family. It would help relieve some of the financial stress of college and allow me to focus on achieving my dream of working in the medical field. More importantly, it would represent hope, proof that hard work, dedication, and faith can open doors. Newark has made me who I am. It’s taught me to be strong, to lead with love, and to never give up on my dreams. No matter where life takes me, I will always carry the lessons, pride, and resilience of my city with me. I want to continue to make my family, my community, and my city proud by becoming a nurse who leads with compassion, faith, and purpose.