As a Black woman and an accounting major at Delaware State University, an HBCU, my vision for economic empowerment is rooted in creating real access, stability, and opportunity for underrepresented communities. I believe economic empowerment starts with knowledge—understanding how money works, how businesses grow, and how financial decisions shape everyday life. Too often, those tools are not equally available in Black and low-income communities, and that gap is something I want to help change. My experience as a student at an HBCU has shown me the power of being in an environment where Black excellence is supported and celebrated. It has also made me more aware of the challenges many students and families face, especially when it comes to financial stress and limited access to resources. Being surrounded by people with similar backgrounds has motivated me to take my education seriously and use it for something bigger than myself. Studying accounting has given me the foundation to understand how financial systems work and how businesses stay stable and successful. But beyond the numbers, I see accounting as a tool for empowerment. Financial literacy can change lives—it can help families build savings, start businesses, avoid debt, and create long-term stability. My goal is to take what I am learning and use it to help others gain that same knowledge and control over their financial futures. I also have a strong interest in business innovation and entrepreneurship. I want to eventually own my own business, not only to create success for myself, but to create opportunities for others in my community. I want to help bring more jobs, better services, and financial education to communities that are often overlooked. To me, innovation is not just about coming up with new ideas—it’s about creating real solutions that actually help people in their everyday lives. My career goals in business are directly connected to my desire to promote social equity and justice. Economic inequality is one of the biggest barriers facing Black communities, and I want to be part of closing that gap. Whether it is through helping small businesses grow, supporting financial education, or building my own business that serves the community, I want my work to have a positive and lasting impact. As a Black woman in accounting, I also understand the importance of representation. There are still not many people who look like me in this field, especially in leadership roles. That reality motivates me to keep pushing forward because I know my presence matters. I want to show that success in business and finance is possible for people like me, and I want to help open doors for others who come after me. Overall, my vision is to use business and financial knowledge as tools for empowerment. I want to help build stronger, more informed, and more financially stable communities. Through my education at Delaware State University and my future career in accounting and business, I am committed to contributing to economic growth and creating opportunities that lead to real, lasting change.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery means a lot to me because those are values I am still learning to build in my own life. As a student at Delaware State University, an HBCU, I’ve started to understand that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself, but also what you give back to your community. Service is something I’ve tried to practice in simple but meaningful ways. I volunteered at a food drive where I helped organize and hand out food to families in need. I also helped clean up streets around my HBCU campus. Those experiences made me realize that even small actions can make a difference. It also made me more aware of how important it is to take care of the community around me. Being at an HBCU has shown me both pride and challenges in the Black community. I see a lot of strength, talent, and potential, but I also see students dealing with financial stress and limited resources. That has shaped how I think about sacrifice. For me, sacrifice has meant staying focused on school even when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, and making choices that help my future instead of giving up when things get hard. It also makes me think about the sacrifices people before me made so I could have opportunities like college. Bravery, to me, is not always something big or dramatic. Sometimes it is just staying on track when things feel uncertain or difficult. As a Black woman studying accounting, I know I am entering a field where I don’t always see a lot of people who look like me. That can feel challenging at times, but it also pushes me to keep going. I want to prove to myself and others that I belong in these spaces. My goal in accounting is to understand how money works so I can use that knowledge to help others. A lot of problems in Black communities are connected to money and lack of financial knowledge. I want to help change that by using what I learn to teach others simple but important things like budgeting, saving, and building financial stability. I also want to own my own business one day. I don’t just want success for myself—I want to be able to create opportunities for other people in my community too. Whether that is jobs, mentorship, or financial guidance, I want to give back in a real way. When I think about what needs to change, I think about access. People need better access to financial education and more opportunities to build stability. Schools, community programs, and organizations all have a role in helping with that. I also think HBCUs already do a great job of supporting and preparing students like me, and I am proud to be part of that environment. Overall, Sgt. Ware’s legacy inspires me to keep growing into someone who serves others, works hard, and doesn’t give up when things get difficult. I may still be early in my journey, but I am committed to using my education and future career to make a positive impact in my community.

I am a proud Black woman studying accounting at Delaware State University, an HBCU, where I am working toward building a future rooted in financial independence, opportunity, and impact. My name is Kyara Cooley, and I chose accounting because I have always been drawn to understanding how money moves, how businesses grow, and how financial decisions shape entire communities. But for me, this path represents more than a career choice, it represents breaking barriers and stepping into a field where Black women are still underrepresented, especially in leadership and financial decision-making roles. Being a Black woman in accounting comes with unique challenges and pressures. There are not always many people who look like me in this field, and that can sometimes make it feel like I have to work twice as hard to be seen and taken seriously. Still, that reality motivates me rather than discourages me. It pushes me to keep going, because I know that my presence in this space matters. I am not only working toward my own success, but also toward representation for those who will come after me. My college journey at Delaware State University has shaped me in ways I did not fully expect. As much as I value my education, I have also experienced the weight of financial stress and academic pressure. There are moments when balancing responsibilities feels overwhelming, but being at an HBCU has given me strength. I am surrounded by Black excellence every day, and that environment constantly reminds me that I belong in spaces like accounting, business, and leadership. My long-term goal is to own my own business and use my accounting knowledge to create opportunities for others in my community. I want to build something that not only provides financial stability but also empowers people through education and access to resources. I understand firsthand how lack of financial knowledge can limit opportunities, and I want to be part of changing that reality. Through my education, I am learning financial literacy, and critical thinking skills that are preparing me for that future. Even when challenges arise, I remind myself that every step forward is part of something bigger than me. This scholarship would ease the financial burden that often comes with pursuing higher education and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and professional growth. More importantly, it would support my mission of becoming a Black woman in accounting who not only succeeds in her field but also helps open doors for others.

“Just pick one.” That’s something I’ve heard more times than I can count when it comes to my identity. As a bisexual young woman, I’ve struggled with feeling seen and accepted in my own home. My parents often make comments like asking when I will get a boyfriend, completely overlooking the fact that I am also attracted to women. Being told to “choose one” has made me feel like a part of who I am is invalid or something that needs to be hidden. Over time, this has taken a serious toll on my mental health, leaving me feeling conflicted between wanting to make my parents happy and wanting to be true to myself. This internal struggle has not been easy. There were moments where I questioned whether I should suppress my identity just to avoid tension at home. Constantly feeling misunderstood created stress, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. However, these challenges pushed me to realize that my mental health and self-acceptance matter just as much as anyone else’s expectations of me. Instead of continuing to hide who I am, I made the decision to take control of my life and my future. Going to college became more than just an academic goal , it became a step towards helping have independence, and discover and be myself without the constant judgement from others. I also joined an all-girls club where I found a supportive environment with some others who share similar struggles. The club is dedicated to girls who feel weird in their own skin , either from their own self doubt or doubt that was made by others.Being surrounded by people who understand me has helped me begin to rebuild my confidence and prioritize my mental well-being. While I am making progress, financial barriers remain a major challenge. The cost of college adds another layer of stress to an already difficult journey. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also allow me to continue growing into a confident, self-assured individual. It would give me the opportunity to focus on both my academic goals and my mental health without the constant burden of financial strain. I am committed to continuing my journey of self-acceptance and using my experiences to uplift others who may feel unheard or unseen. This scholarship would be more than financial support, it would be an investment in my future and in the person I hope to become.

My name is Kyara Cooley , and from a young age, I’ve found comfort in the kitchen—it’s where I’ve learned patience, discipline, and the joy of creating something from scratch. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something more serious. Over the past few years, I’ve dedicated myself to learning different baking techniques, trying out new recipes, and adding my own twist to traditional desserts. My dream is to turn that passion into a career as a professional pastry chef. Culinary arts isn’t just about cooking to me—it’s about expression, connection, and love. There’s something powerful about being able to tell a story through food, and even more powerful when that food brings joy to others. I want to create dishes that leave lasting impressions, not just in taste but in memory. Whether it’s a layered cake for a special occasion, a plate of warm cookies to comfort someone, or an entire dessert spread that brings people together, I see food as a way to make people feel cared for and celebrated. What draws me to a career in culinary arts is the ability to combine my creativity with my drive to serve others. I’ve always been a hands-on learner, and I love the fast-paced, detail-focused environment of a kitchen. I plan to attend a college with a strong culinary arts program where I can learn directly from professionals and gain the skills needed to thrive in the food industry. Eventually, I hope to work at a high-end restaurant or resort and one day open my own bakery. But beyond personal success, I want my career to be rooted in purpose. Giving back to my community is something I think about often, and I believe food is one of the most powerful ways to do that. In the future, I plan to host free baking workshops for kids and teens interested in culinary arts—especially those who may not have access to resources or training. I want to create opportunities for young people to discover the joy of cooking and build confidence in themselves, just like I did. Additionally, I hope to partner with local shelters and community centers to provide meals or desserts for people in need. Whether it’s donating baked goods, offering cooking classes, or using my bakery as a safe space for youth to learn job skills, I want to be someone who uplifts my community through food and kindness. A culinary arts career will allow me to do what I love every day while making a difference in people’s lives. I believe that with passion, hard work, and a strong education, I can turn my dreams into reality. I’m excited to grow, learn, and eventually give back to the same kind of community that shaped and supported me. Food brings people together—and I’m ready to use that power to serve, inspire, and give back.

My name is Kyara Cooley , and I am a determined, creative, and goal-driven student who is passionate about making a positive impact on others through leadership and service. I believe in the power of community, hard work, and staying true to your purpose—values that guide me as I pursue my education and plan for my future career. One of my biggest goals is to attend Delaware State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where I know I can grow into the best version of myself academically, personally, and professionally. Choosing to attend an HBCU, and especially Delaware State University, is a meaningful decision for me. I want to be part of a rich legacy of Black excellence, where I’m surrounded by faculty and students who understand my background and who will challenge me to rise higher. DSU offers not only a strong academic foundation but also a vibrant campus life and a culture that encourages leadership, pride, and purpose. I believe that at Delaware State, I will gain the education, confidence, and community support I need to pursue my dreams and make a lasting impact. My future career goals revolve around becoming a project leader or event planner who uses their skills to create real change in the community. I’ve always enjoyed organizing, planning, and bringing people together—whether it’s through small gatherings, school events, or group projects. Over time, I realized that event planning is more than just coordinating—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that inspire, educate, and unite people. I want to turn this passion into a profession where I’m not just planning parties, but building purpose-driven events that support causes like youth development, mental health awareness, and educational access. I plan to study business, communications, or hospitality at Delaware State University to sharpen my skills in organization, leadership, budgeting, and team collaboration. My dream is to one day own an event planning company that specializes in community events, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations. I want to create spaces that bring people together, promote positive messages, and uplift those who are often overlooked. Whether it’s helping a young entrepreneur launch their first event or organizing a local festival to support Black-owned businesses, I want my work to leave a meaningful footprint. A scholarship would give me the chance to focus fully on my education and growth without being weighed down by financial stress. I take my goals seriously, and I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity given to me. I believe I have the passion, drive, and vision to become a successful leader who gives back to their community, and Delaware State University is the perfect place for me to start that journey. In the end, my goal is not just to have a career, but to create a life that inspires others and makes a difference. With the right education, training, and support, I know I can achieve that.