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Keyon Jackson

2x

Finalist

Bio

My Short life bio: Keyon is a focused and resilient young man working toward a future in the electrical trade while studying at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. Maintaining a strong 3.6 GPA, he demonstrates consistent dedication to both his coursework and the hands-on skills essential to his field. Beyond academics, Keyon is a young father who takes his responsibilities seriously. Balancing school and parenthood, he shows maturity, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. His character is defined by reliability, respect for others, and a commitment to doing the right thing even when it’s not easy. My journey reflects not only academic and professional growth, but also personal strength and the values of responsibility, perseverance, and care for those who depend on him.

Education

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Trade School
2025 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Trade School

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Leisure, Travel, & Tourism

    • Dream career goals:

    • Front desk Officer

      United Security Inc
      2024 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Basketball

    Varsity
    2012 – 20197 years

    Research

    • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers

      Benjamin Franklin Institute of Tech — Student
      2025 – Present

    Arts

    • Home

      Music
      2021 – 2023
    SuperDad Scholarship
    I’m 24, and every decision I make feels like it carries real weight. I’m a father to a two-year-old, and even though we’re co-parenting, that responsibility never turns off. I’m also a student at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, pushing myself to maintain a 3.6 GPA while dealing with everything life throws at me—especially the financial pressure of paying child support and staying afloat. Some days feel overwhelming, but those same pressures are exactly what pushed me toward the electrical trade. I didn’t choose this path just to say I had a career. I chose it because I needed something real—something stable, something that would allow me to provide for my child and build a future I can actually be proud of. I wanted a skill that people respect, something hands-on that I could master over time. Electrical work stood out to me because it’s everywhere—it powers homes, businesses, entire communities. Learning it felt like stepping into something bigger than myself. When I first got introduced to the NEC—the National Electrical Code—I won’t lie, it felt intimidating. It wasn’t just about connecting wires or installing outlets like I imagined. It was detailed, technical, and full of rules that didn’t always make sense at first. But instead of backing away, I leaned into it. I started to understand that the NEC isn’t just a book you memorize to pass a test—it’s the foundation of the entire trade. As I spent more time studying, things started to click. Learning about grounding showed me how systems are protected from faults. Understanding conductor sizing made me realize how important it is to prevent overheating and potential fires. Overcurrent protection taught me how to design systems that can safely handle electrical loads without putting people at risk. Every section I studied made me more aware of how serious this work is. There are nights when I’m exhausted—mentally and physically. After classes, responsibilities, and thinking about bills, it would be easy to shut down. But I don’t. I keep studying, even if it’s just a few pages at a time. Because this isn’t just about passing school—it’s about becoming someone dependable. Someone my child can look up to. What keeps me going is knowing that I’m building something long-term. I don’t want to be stuck struggling forever. I want to create stability, to be able to provide without constant stress. Learning the electrical trade, and truly understanding the NEC, is my way forward. It’s not easy, but nothing worth having is. Every day I show up, I’m getting closer to the life I’m working for—and that’s all the motivation I need.
    Brent Gordon Foundation Scholarship
    I’m 24, and my story has been shaped by responsibility, pressure, and loss—but also by purpose. I’m a father to a two-year-old, co-parenting while trying to build a stable foundation for my child. I’m currently in school at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, maintaining a 3.6 GPA while pushing through the reality of adult life—financial stress, paying child support, and trying to stay consistent when everything feels heavy. But above everything, what changed my direction the most was losing my father in 2022, the day before Thanksgiving. That moment shifted something in me. My father was my male role model—the person I looked to for guidance, structure, and strength. Losing him didn’t just hurt emotionally; it forced me to grow up in ways I wasn’t fully ready for. After that, I had to learn how to move forward without the person I used to turn to for answers. That pain didn’t break me, but it did reshape my mindset. It made me realize that I had to become that example—not just for myself, but for my child. That’s one of the biggest reasons I chose to pursue the electrical trade and STEM robotics. I needed something real, something technical, something that would challenge me and build a long-term future. Electrical work gave me structure, and robotics gave me vision. Together, they represent both discipline and innovation—two things I now try to live by every day. When I started learning the NEC—the National Electrical Code—it didn’t feel easy at all. At first, it was overwhelming. The pages are dense, technical, and extremely detailed. But the more I studied, the more I understood that the NEC is not just a rulebook—it’s a system built on safety, accountability, and respect for human life. Every article exists because something went wrong somewhere in the past, and this code is how we prevent those failures from happening again. Learning about grounding and bonding showed me how systems are protected from dangerous faults. Conductor sizing made me understand how electrical loads must be carefully calculated to prevent overheating. Overcurrent protection taught me that systems are designed not just to work, but to fail safely when necessary. In robotics, these same principles apply—precision, control, and reliability are everything. There are days when the weight of life still hits hard. I think about my father often, especially in quiet moments when I wish I could ask him for advice. But instead of letting that stop me, I use it as fuel. I keep going because I know what it feels like to lose guidance—and I want to be a steady example for my child the way my father was for me. Every time I open my NEC book, every time I study circuits or build robotic concepts, I feel like I’m building more than just knowledge—I’m building legacy. I’m building stability. I’m building a future that my child can depend on, even if I had to go through pain to start it.
    Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
    I’m 24, and my life is built around responsibility. Being a father to my two-year-old changed everything for me. Even while co-parenting, I carry that role with me every day. I’m also a student at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, working hard to maintain a 3.6 GPA while dealing with real-life pressures like paying child support and staying financially stable. It’s not always easy, but my faith in God has been one of the main things keeping me grounded through it all. There have been moments where I felt overwhelmed—trying to balance school, fatherhood, and financial stress—but my faith has given me patience and direction. It reminds me that my situation doesn’t define my future. Instead of giving up when things get hard, I’ve learned to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep putting in the work even when I don’t see immediate results. Prayer and belief help me reset mentally and stay focused on what really matters. That mindset is a big part of why I chose to pursue electrical work and STEM robotics. I wanted something meaningful—something that required discipline, responsibility, and growth. Electrical work gives me a foundation, while robotics challenges me to think deeper and push beyond basic skills. Together, they represent the kind of future I’m trying to build: stable, skilled, and forward-thinking. When I started studying the NEC—the National Electrical Code—it felt like a challenge I wasn’t sure I was ready for. It’s detailed, technical, and requires full attention. But over time, I began to see it differently. The NEC isn’t just a set of rules—it’s about protecting people, doing work with integrity, and understanding the responsibility that comes with the trade. As I studied concepts like grounding, bonding, conductor sizing, and overcurrent protection, I realized how important it is to get things right. One mistake in this field can have serious consequences. That’s where my faith connects with my work. My belief in doing things with honesty, care, and purpose pushes me to not cut corners and to take pride in learning things the right way. In robotics, that same discipline shows up. Systems only work when every part is precise and intentional. It reminds me that success—whether in life or in my career—comes from consistency, patience, and attention to detail. My faith gives me the strength to keep going, especially on the hard days. It reminds me why I started and who I’m doing this for. As I move forward in my career, I believe that same faith will help me stay disciplined, make good decisions, and carry myself with integrity in everything I do. At the end of the day, I’m not just building a career—I’m building a life. And with faith guiding me, I know I’m moving in the right direction.
    Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
    I’m 24, and my life moves fast whether I’m ready or not. I’m a father to a two-year-old, co-parenting and doing my best to be present while also building something solid for our future. At the same time, I’m in school at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, holding a 3.6 GPA and pushing through long days and even longer nights. On top of that, I’m dealing with real-world pressure—paying child support, managing bills, and staying focused when things feel heavy. None of it is easy, but it’s exactly why I chose to pursue electrical work and STEM robotics. I needed more than just a job—I needed direction. Electrical work gave me that foundation. It’s a trade that demands precision, discipline, and respect for the work. At the same time, STEM robotics opened my mind to how far those skills can go. It’s not just about wiring a building—it’s about understanding systems, logic, and how technology connects everything. Robotics made me think deeper, like I’m not just learning how to install something, but how to design, troubleshoot, and innovate. When I first started learning about the NEC—the National Electrical Code—it felt overwhelming. There were so many rules, calculations, and technical details that it almost felt like learning a new language. But I stuck with it. I started breaking it down piece by piece. I realized the NEC isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about protecting people. Every rule has a reason behind it. As I dug deeper, I started understanding concepts like grounding and bonding, and how they protect systems from faults and electrical shock. I learned how conductor sizing isn’t just numbers—it’s about preventing overheating and avoiding fire hazards. Overcurrent protection showed me how circuits are designed to fail safely instead of dangerously. These ideas started connecting not just to electrical work, but to robotics too—because both depend on precision, safety, and understanding how systems behave under pressure. There are nights when I’m exhausted—after classes, responsibilities, and thinking about everything I have to handle. But I still sit down and study. Sometimes it’s NEC articles, sometimes it’s robotics concepts, but every bit of effort adds up. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about me. What motivates me is my child. I want to build a life where they don’t have to see struggle the way I’ve experienced it. I want to be someone who can provide, lead, and show them what hard work looks like. Electrical and STEM robotics aren’t just subjects I’m learning—they’re my way forward. Every code I understand, every system I figure out, every challenge I push through—it’s all building toward something bigger. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there. And that’s what keeps me going.
    Grover Scholarship Fund
    I’m 24, and every decision I make feels like it carries real weight. I’m a father to a two-year-old, and even though we’re co-parenting, that responsibility never turns off. I’m also a student at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, pushing myself to maintain a 3.6 GPA while dealing with everything life throws at me—especially the financial pressure of paying child support and staying afloat. Some days feel overwhelming, but those same pressures are exactly what pushed me toward the electrical trade. I didn’t choose this path just to say I had a career. I chose it because I needed something real—something stable, something that would allow me to provide for my child and build a future I can actually be proud of. I wanted a skill that people respect, something hands-on that I could master over time. Electrical work stood out to me because it’s everywhere—it powers homes, businesses, entire communities. Learning it felt like stepping into something bigger than myself. When I first got introduced to the NEC—the National Electrical Code—I won’t lie, it felt intimidating. It wasn’t just about connecting wires or installing outlets like I imagined. It was detailed, technical, and full of rules that didn’t always make sense at first. But instead of backing away, I leaned into it. I started to understand that the NEC isn’t just a book you memorize to pass a test—it’s the foundation of the entire trade. As I spent more time studying, things started to click. Learning about grounding showed me how systems are protected from faults. Understanding conductor sizing made me realize how important it is to prevent overheating and potential fires. Overcurrent protection taught me how to design systems that can safely handle electrical loads without putting people at risk. Every section I studied made me more aware of how serious this work is. There are nights when I’m exhausted—mentally and physically. After classes, responsibilities, and thinking about bills, it would be easy to shut down. But I don’t. I keep studying, even if it’s just a few pages at a time. Because this isn’t just about passing school—it’s about becoming someone dependable. Someone my child can look up to. What keeps me going is knowing that I’m building something long-term. I don’t want to be stuck struggling forever. I want to create stability, to be able to provide without constant stress. Learning the electrical trade, and truly understanding the NEC, is my way forward. It’s not easy, but nothing worth having is. Every day I show up, I’m getting closer to the life I’m working for—and that’s all the motivation I need.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Tools of the Trade Scholarship
    I’m 24, and every decision I make feels like it carries real weight. I’m a father to a two-year-old, and even though we’re co-parenting, that responsibility never turns off. I’m also a student at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, pushing myself to maintain a 3.6 GPA while dealing with everything life throws at me—especially the financial pressure of paying child support and staying afloat. Some days feel overwhelming, but those same pressures are exactly what pushed me toward the electrical trade. I didn’t choose this path just to say I had a career. I chose it because I needed something real—something stable, something that would allow me to provide for my child and build a future I can actually be proud of. I wanted a skill that people respect, something hands-on that I could master over time. Electrical work stood out to me because it’s everywhere—it powers homes, businesses, entire communities. Learning it felt like stepping into something bigger than myself. When I first got introduced to the NEC—the National Electrical Code—I won’t lie, it felt intimidating. It wasn’t just about connecting wires or installing outlets like I imagined. It was detailed, technical, and full of rules that didn’t always make sense at first. But instead of backing away, I leaned into it. I started to understand that the NEC isn’t just a book you memorize to pass a test—it’s the foundation of the entire trade. As I spent more time studying, things started to click. Learning about grounding showed me how systems are protected from faults. Understanding conductor sizing made me realize how important it is to prevent overheating and potential fires. Overcurrent protection taught me how to design systems that can safely handle electrical loads without putting people at risk. Every section I studied made me more aware of how serious this work is. There are nights when I’m exhausted—mentally and physically. After classes, responsibilities, and thinking about bills, it would be easy to shut down. But I don’t. I keep studying, even if it’s just a few pages at a time. Because this isn’t just about passing school—it’s about becoming someone dependable. Someone my child can look up to. What keeps me going is knowing that I’m building something long-term. I don’t want to be stuck struggling forever. I want to create stability, to be able to provide without constant stress. Learning the electrical trade, and truly understanding the NEC, is my way forward. It’s not easy, but nothing worth having is. Every day I show up, I’m getting closer to the life I’m working for—and that’s all the motivation I need.
    Brattican Scholarship
    I’m 24, and every decision I make feels like it carries real weight. I’m a father to a two-year-old, and even though we’re co-parenting, that responsibility never turns off. I’m also a student at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, pushing myself to maintain a 3.6 GPA while dealing with everything life throws at me—especially the financial pressure of paying child support and staying afloat. Some days feel overwhelming, but those same pressures are exactly what pushed me toward the electrical trade. I didn’t choose this path just to say I had a career. I chose it because I needed something real—something stable, something that would allow me to provide for my child and build a future I can actually be proud of. I wanted a skill that people respect, something hands-on that I could master over time. Electrical work stood out to me because it’s everywhere—it powers homes, businesses, entire communities. Learning it felt like stepping into something bigger than myself. When I first got introduced to the NEC—the National Electrical Code—I won’t lie, it felt intimidating. It wasn’t just about connecting wires or installing outlets like I imagined. It was detailed, technical, and full of rules that didn’t always make sense at first. But instead of backing away, I leaned into it. I started to understand that the NEC isn’t just a book you memorize to pass a test—it’s the foundation of the entire trade. As I spent more time studying, things started to click. Learning about grounding showed me how systems are protected from faults. Understanding conductor sizing made me realize how important it is to prevent overheating and potential fires. Overcurrent protection taught me how to design systems that can safely handle electrical loads without putting people at risk. Every section I studied made me more aware of how serious this work is. There are nights when I’m exhausted—mentally and physically. After classes, responsibilities, and thinking about bills, it would be easy to shut down. But I don’t. I keep studying, even if it’s just a few pages at a time. Because this isn’t just about passing school—it’s about becoming someone dependable. Someone my child can look up to. What keeps me going is knowing that I’m building something long-term. I don’t want to be stuck struggling forever. I want to create stability, to be able to provide without constant stress. Learning the electrical trade, and truly understanding the NEC, is my way forward. It’s not easy, but nothing worth having is. Every day I show up, I’m getting closer to the life I’m working for—and that’s all the motivation I need.