As an African American student raised by a single mom, Ive faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety, to racial norms and body dysmorphia. Ive conquered these obstacles on my own without a shoulder to lean on or a hand to hold, despite such, I have worked extremely hard to help my mom with stress from bills, and Ive became the first in my family to attend a four-year university. Looking back into my past, I'm glad I continued on, attended therapy, and kept going after many doubts and attempts to end the life that I was gifted, for now, I've been gifted the opportunity to make my life worth living and hopefully help create better lives for those who went through what I did. From the very beginning, Ive been drawn to the business and technology world. Growing up in a world that's molded by the internet, Ive realized that taking on a career in such field is the easiest way for me to create change in the world I live in. My dream is to become an entrepreneur and a cybersecurity analyst for big companies like Tesla or Meta, but my main goal is to create an app that betters the college education system of people of color. My idea is to create an app designed to strengthen and support students at HBCUs like myself. The platform will open new resources like easy access to scholarships, internships, networking opportunities, and even mentorships, specifically curated for HBCU students, people of color, and people with different ethnic backgrounds. My goal is to create a platform where students of color can succeed in the professional and academic world, while also receiving support to navigate challenges they may face in higher education and beyond. My idea was inspired by my personal experience of unfairness that I've witnessed in the education system, particularly between HBCUs and PWIs. HBCUs play major role in cultivating the potential and talent of students of color, yet they often lack the resources and necessary funding to offer the same level of opportunities as PWIs. I want to change that. I believe that with technology, we can universalize access to the support and resources that students need to succeed. What excites me most about my journey is its potential for long-term impact. By supporting fellow HBCU students, I hope to contribute for a larger movement for educational equality. My goal isn't just to create short-term solutions but to create a durable environment where students can use their education as leverage towards generational change. I also aim to use my platform to preach for policy changes that will lead to increased funding and accessible resources for HBCUs. Through the help of educators, community leaders, and alumni, I want to create a union that works towards closing the educational and economic gap between HBCUs and PWIs. In the grand scheme of things, I hope to include partnerships with various corporations that are also committed to diversity and inclusion, expanding my platform, and offering more opportunities for students of color to enter fields such as entrepreneurship, technology, and business. I dream of a future where my creation serves for more than HBCU students but also other minority-serving institutions, creating a domino effect that benefits overlooked communities across the country. Winning this scholarship will ease the financial burden on my mother and allow me to focus on my studies to further achieve my goals on creating change. Thank you for considering my application, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.

From the very beginning, I've been drawn to the business and technology world. Growing up in a world molded by the internet, I've realized that entrepreneurship is just seen as a pathway to personal success, but it's more than that, it's a tool for creating opportunities, one that I particularly want to use for underprivileged communities. My entrepreneurship journey is driven by a desire to use technology and innovation to solve systemic issues and uplift those who go unnoticed. My business idea highlights on creating an app designed to strengthen and support students at HBCUs like myself. The platform will open new resources like easy access to scholarships, internships, networking opportunities, and even mentorships, specifically curated for HBCU students. My goal is to create a platform where students of color can succeed in the professional and academic world, while also receiving support to navigate challenges they may face in higher education and beyond. My idea was inspired by my personal experience of unfairness that I've witnessed in the education system, particularly between HBCUs and PWIs. HBCUs play major role in cultivating the potential and talent of students of color, yet they often lack the resources and necessary funding to offer the same level of opportunities as PWIs. I want to change that. I believe that with technology, we can universalize access to the support and resources that students need to succeed. My interest in entrepreneurship took root when I watched my mom create her own CBD skincare line called MIXDt. Her journey not only showed me her determination and creativity but also demonstrated the power of innovation to transform dreams into reality. Watching her navigate through the challenges of building a business brick-by-brick inspired me to walk my own path as a business woman. I became passionate about building my skills in leadership, and communication, recognizing their important role in building a successful operation. My mom's experience prepared me for the entrepreneurship world, motivating me to become my own boss and make a meaningful impact. What excites me most about my journey is its potential for long-term impact. By supporting fellow HBCU students, I hope to contribute for a larger movement for educational equality. My goal isn't just to create short-term solutions but to create a durable environment where students can use their education as leverage towards generational change. I also aim to use my platform to preach for policy changes that will lead to increased funding and accessible resources for HBCUs. Through the help of educators, community leaders, and alumni, I want to create a union that works towards closing the educational and economic gap between HBCUs and PWIs. In the grand scheme of things, I hope to include partnerships with various corporations that are also committed to diversity and inclusion, expanding my platform, and offering more opportunities for students of color to enter fields such as entrepreneurship, technology, and business. I dream of a future where my creation serves for more than HBCU students but also other minority-serving institutions, creating a domino effect that benefits overlooked communities across the country. Conclusively, I believe that entrepreneurship is more than just gaining profit, it's about making a meaningful change. Im committed to using my business as an instrument for change—one that demolishes barriers, widens opportunities, and uplifts my community. Receiving this scholarship won't only help me bring my dream to life by receiving the right guidance and knowledge but also allow me to continue growing as an entrepreneur who is committed to making a long-lasting impact. Thank you for your consideration.

Firstly Id like to start off by sending my greatest condolences to the family of Mohamed, I understand what it's like to lose such a great person in your life at the most unexpected time. To honor him and the family, Id like to carry on his name, embodying his upstanding spirit along my journey to further let his name be known. Being an 'up-stander' means standing up for what is right, especially when the well being and success of others is threatened by injustice. I've always believed nobody should be held back by barriers like racial discrimination or generational norms, which have in the past and currently limit opportunities for people of color. As an African American woman myself, I understand the heavy weight those limitations can put on a person, and I've made it to a point where I'll never allow such barriers to continue to diminish the success my community has made and inhibit our advancement as a whole. One of the many ways I've demonstrated being an 'up-stander' is by confronting and battling the inequalities rooted in systemic racism, distinctly when it comes down to education. I've experienced and watched people of color get treated exceptionally different in classrooms, not only that, but I've seen first hand how a school in a predominantly white area has way better treatment than a school in areas with diverse cultures and nationalities. I refuse to let this ongoing discrimination, whether economically or socially, continue to define or hold back the potential of our community currently and in future generations to come. In many situations, I have spoken up and upheld for equality in the education system, realizing that education itself is one of the main powerful tools for taking a step towards the change of discrimination as a whole. Generational and racial discrimination is embedded in the soil of our society, often growing plants that are small but deeply rooted. For example, HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) overtime have been extremely underfunded in comparison to PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions). This inequality itself has made it extremely difficult for HBCUs to provide proper resources, infrastructure, and such opportunities that are on par with PWIs. This isn't just a problem for current students attending HBCUs like myself; it's an issue that impacts future students and constrains the advancement of Black excellence. I plan to use my voice and platforms to fight for change. In the future, I plan on creating a podcast that speaks inequality between HBCUs and PWIs. The podcast will be a platform that targets the unequal funding and how the lack of resources affects the students attending HBCUs and our community as a whole. Through extensive research, the podcast will bring awareness to the life-changing power of equal education. I believe that awareness is always the first step towards change, and a podcast that is open to everyone, not just people of color, is a powerful way to reach a large audience. In addition to the podcast, I plan to start an online petition that brings attention to the unforeseen gaps between HBCUs and PWIs. With enough signatures, this petition will call for legislative and institutional changes that increase funding for HBCUs, ensuring that they have the financial ability to provide high-quality education. My journey has been driven by a commitment to ensuring that systemic racism no longer withholds the success of future generations. By using my voice, I hope to create a equal education system that allows students, regardless of race to thrive, overall building a more inclusive community. Thank you for considering my application.

Economic empowerment and business innovation are major forces that can help uplift underestimated communities, creating a lasting change. By embodying myself as an "up-stander" I can use my achievements and goals to dismantle the barriers that hinder the success of my community. Being an "up-stander" means standing up for what is right, especially when the well being and the success of others is threatened by injustice. I've always believed that nobody should be held back by barriers like racial discrimination or generational norms, which have in the past and still until this day limit opportunities for people of color. As an African American woman myself, I understand the heavy weight those limitations can put on a person, and I've made it to a point where I'll never allow such barriers to continue to diminish the success my community has made and inhibit our advancement as a whole. Fixing the education systems racial inequality is what plays a vital role in my vision. I've experienced and watched people of color get treated exceptionally different in classrooms, not only that, but I've seen first hand how a school in a predominantly white area has way better treatment than a school in areas with diverse cultures and nationalities. I refuse to let this ongoing discrimination, whether economically or socially, continue to define or hold back the potential of our community currently and in future generations. In many situations, I have spoken up and upheld for equality in the education system, realizing that education itself is one of the main powerful tools for taking a step towards the change of discrimination as a whole. As someone who values both education and equality, my career goals in business are deeply rooted in social justice. I plan to develop solutions that empower individuals but also destroy systemic racial inequalities at their core. Generational and racial discrimination is embedded in the soil of our society, often growing plants that are small but deeply rooted. For example, HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) overtime have been extremely underfunded in comparison to PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions). This inequality itself has made it extremely difficult for HBCUs to provide proper resources, infrastructure, and such opportunities that are on par with PWIs. This isn't just a problem for current students attending HBCUs like myself; it's an issue that impacts future students and constrains the advancement of Black excellence. As an 'up-stander', I plan to use my voice and platforms to fight for change. In the future, I plan on creating a podcast that speaks on this inequality between HBCUs and PWIs. The podcast will be a platform that targets the unequal funding and how the lack of resources affects the students attending HBCUs and our community as a whole. In addition to the podcast, I plan to start an online petition that brings attention to the unforeseen gaps between HBCUs and PWIs. With enough signatures, this petition will call for legislative and institutional changes that increase funding for HBCUs, ensuring that they have the financial ability to provide high-quality education. I believe that awareness is always the first step towards change, and a podcast that is open to everyone, not just people of color, is a powerful way to reach a large audience. My journey has been driven by a commitment to ensuring that systemic racism no longer withholds the success of future generations. By using my voice, I hope to create a more equal education system that allows all students, regardless of race to thrive, overall building a more inclusive community. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. As an African American student raised by a single mom, I have faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety to racial norms and obesity. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to help my mom with bills and become the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This scholarship would help me continue my journey at Prairie View A&M University, where I am majoring in Management Information Systems and minoring in Communications. I chose Management Information Systems because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities, from tech startups to established corporations. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making a difference. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.2 GPA while balancing responsibilities at home and participating in community service. I worked hard to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. As a Black woman entering the tech field, I understand the importance of representation and diversity. I want to be a role model for other young women of color who aspire to enter STEM fields. My dream is to become a cyber security analyst in the AI industry, working with popular companies like Tesla or Meta. I want to make a positive impact on the tech industry and ensure the safety of digital information. I also look forward to earning a good income to support my family and give back to my community. Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would be a step towards achieving my dream of working at a top tech company and making a difference in the world. I am determined to overcome any challenge and succeed in my academic and career goals. This scholarship would be a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. As an African American student raised by a single mom, I have faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety to racial norms and obesity. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to help my mom with bills and become the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This scholarship would help me continue my journey at Prairie View A&M University, where I am majoring in Management Information Systems and minoring in Communications. I chose Management Information Systems because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities, from tech startups to established corporations. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making a difference. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.2 GPA while balancing responsibilities at home and participating in community service. I worked hard to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. As a Black woman entering the tech field, I understand the importance of representation and diversity. I want to be a role model for other young women of color who aspire to enter STEM fields. My dream is to become a cyber security analyst in the AI industry, working with popular companies like Tesla or Meta. I want to make a positive impact on the tech industry and ensure the safety of digital information. I also look forward to earning a good income to support my family and give back to my community. Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would be a step towards achieving my dream of working at a top tech company and making a difference in the world. I am determined to overcome any challenge and succeed in my academic and career goals. This scholarship would be a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. As an African American student raised by a single mom, I have faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety to racial norms and obesity. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to help my mom with bills and become the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This scholarship would help me continue my journey at Prairie View A&M University, where I am majoring in Management Information Systems and minoring in Communications. I chose Management Information Systems because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities, from tech startups to established corporations. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making a difference. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.5 GPA while balancing responsibilities at home and participating in community service. I worked hard to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. As a Black woman entering the tech field, I understand the importance of representation and diversity. I want to be a role model for other young women of color who aspire to enter STEM fields. My dream is to become a cyber security analyst in the AI industry, working with popular companies like Tesla or Meta. I want to make a positive impact on the tech industry and ensure the safety of digital information. I also look forward to earning a good income to support my family and give back to my community. Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would be a step towards achieving my dream of working at a top tech company and making a difference in the world. I am determined to overcome any challenge and succeed in my academic and career goals. This scholarship would be a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. As an African American student raised by a single mom, I have faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety to racial norms and obesity. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to help my mom with bills and become the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This scholarship would help me continue my journey at Prairie View A&M University, where I am majoring in Management Information Systems and minoring in Communications. I chose Management Information Systems because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities, from tech startups to established corporations. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making a difference. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.2 GPA while balancing responsibilities at home and participating in community service. I worked hard to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. As a Black woman entering the tech field, I understand the importance of representation and diversity. I want to be a role model for other young women of color who aspire to enter STEM fields. My dream is to become a cyber security analyst in the AI industry, working with popular companies like Tesla or Meta. I want to make a positive impact on the tech industry and ensure the safety of digital information. I also look forward to earning a good income to support my family and give back to my community. Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would be a step towards achieving my dream of working at a top tech company and making a difference in the world. I am determined to overcome any challenge and succeed in my academic and career goals. This scholarship would be a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. As an African American student raised by a single mom, I have faced many challenges, from depression and anxiety to racial norms and obesity. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to help my mom with bills and become the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This scholarship would help me continue my journey at Prairie View A&M University, where I am majoring in Management Information systems and minoring in Communications. I chose Management Information Sciences because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities, from tech startups to established corporations. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making a difference. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.5 GPA while balancing responsibilities at home and participating in community service. I worked hard to overcome challenges and stay focused on my goals. As a Black woman entering the tech field, I understand the importance of representation and diversity. I want to be a role model for other young women of color who aspire to enter STEM fields. My dream is to become a cyber security analyst in the AI industry, working with popular companies like Tesla or Meta. I want to make a positive impact on the tech industry and ensure the safety of digital information. I also look forward to earning a good income to support my family and give back to my community. Winning this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would be a step towards achieving my dream of working at a top tech company and making a difference in the world. I am determined to overcome any challenge and succeed in my academic and career goals. This scholarship would be a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering my application.

My Mother used to tell me that when I was younger, my favorite phrase was, “I can’t do it.” Determination is the key to “doing something”, determination is the key to achieving one’s goals, and by embodying determination it has led me to go through many trials in life and even though with trial comes error, so does success. I didn’t know it at that moment, but it was that embodiment which would drive me towards technology in the future. My family had always thought that I would follow our ancestral normalities and have kids early, get married, and continue to expand our family tree with little views of another possible future, but I know the path that I want to pursue. I want to put my love for technology and my urge to create into working in the analytic field of Artificial Intelligence, and a degree in management information systems will give me the training and credentials I need in order to succeed in such. Growing up, my curiosity for how things work and how things impact our world has led me to immerse myself in the media of technology. Whether it was learning how to code and create my own app or teaching myself how to create my own robot car through online resources, I found great satisfaction in creating and changing how things process. One major moment in life was when I created my own building game from scratch in middle school which I named “Kylee-Craft”, where I won best game in my computer class. This experience not only honed my skills but also ignited my interest in the technological world and pushed me even further to wanting to do more. As I fought through high school, I maintained a high GPA while balancing my responsibilities at home and working a part-time job. I worked hard to overcome my challenges and stay focused on my goals, even still keeping my interest alive by doing coding activities during my free time and taking an extra computer science class my junior year. These experiences helped me stay solidified to my goal. However none of my experiences were easily cultivated. I am confident that pursuing a degree that combines both business and technology such as Management Information Systems will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve my goal to excel in this field as an African American woman. This degree is unequivocally what I need to bridge the gap between my dream and reality. This degree will not only set me up with knowledge, but it will give me an easier route to achieving financial stability, mental stability, and enable me to fully dedicate myself to my craft. Winning the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my single mother, who has worked tirelessly to support me, make it easier for me to show her who the little black girl is that she raised without a father figure, and show her that I did it under her guidance successfully without such. It would allow me to focus on my studies at my wonderful historically black college, Prairie View A&M University without the constant worry of “Will I be able to pay for this?” or “Will I just cause more stress and worry for mom?”. With a high school GPA of 3.35, I have shown dedication and hard work, and I am determined to continue this effort in college. Not only to make my mom proud, but to make myself proud and my supporters proud.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. I chose to study Management Information Sciences while attending college because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities not just in working in the tech industry but managing in the tech industry, from tech startups to established corporations, and even AI programming. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making my name known and breaking down any stereotypical barriers involved. Winning the William R. Godfrey Scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my single mother, who has worked tirelessly to support me, make it easier for me to show her who the little black girl is that she raised without a father figure, and show her that i did it under her guidance successfully without such. It would allow me to focus on my studies at my wonderful historically black college, Prairie View A&M University without the constant worry of “Will I be able to pay for this?” or “Will I just cause more stress and worry for mom?”. With a high school GPA of 3.35, I have shown dedication and hard work, and I am determined to continue this effort in college. Not only to make my mom proud, but to make myself proud and my supporters proud. My dream is to work at a top tech company like NASA or Tesla and contribute to innovative projects that can change lives and the future of our technology in the United States. This scholarship would be a recognition of my commitment, dedication, and is an essential step towards achieving my long awaited goals. I am ready to fight any challenges and any barriers I may face and succeed in my academic and career pursuits, not only in the name of Jesus but in the name of my ancestors. Your support would not only help me to fight these stereotypes but also inspire other young African American women to pursue their dreams in technology. Thank you for considering my application.

As an African American female from Los Angeles I often get shaped with stereotypes such as being "ghetto" or "uneducated" since Im from the "Hood", when really I'm just a black girl who comes from an underestimated community who strides to make a real change and a real impact in the tech community. Sadly I don't see many African American females taking a step forward in this community, so i've decided to take the leap of faith and in the future inspire my community and my people everywhere to do the same. I chose to study Management Information Sciences while attending college because it combines my love for computer science with practical applications in various fields. A degree in this branch opens many opportunities not just in working in the tech industry but managing in the tech industry, from tech startups to established corporations, and even AI programming. As an African American woman, I am passionate about breaking barriers in the tech industry and making my name known and breaking down any stereotypical barriers involved. Winning the William R. Godfrey Scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my single mother, who has worked tirelessly to support me, make it easier for me to show her who the little black girl is that she raised without a father figure, and show her that i did it under her guidance successfully without such. It would allow me to focus on my studies at my wonderful historically black college, Prairie View A&M University without the constant worry of “Will I be able to pay for this?” or “Will I just cause more stress and worry for mom?”. With a high school GPA of 3.35, I have shown dedication and hard work, and I am determined to continue this effort in college. Not only to make my mom proud, but to make myself proud and my supporters proud. My dream is to work at a top tech company like NASA or Tesla and contribute to innovative projects that can change lives and the future of our technology in the United States. This scholarship would be a recognition of my commitment, dedication, and is an essential step towards achieving my long awaited goals. I am ready to fight any challenges and any barriers I may face and succeed in my academic and career pursuits, not only in the name of Jesus but in the name of my ancestors. Your support would not only help me to fight these stereotypes but also inspire other young African American women to pursue their dreams in technology. Thank you for considering my application.