Being a first-generation college student means more than being the first to step foot on a campus, it means being the first to rewrite a family narrative. For me, that journey began in Memphis, where I grew up surrounded by love but limited exposure to higher education. My dad and little sister have always been my motivation. They’re the people who remind me, with laughter and faith, why I have to keep pushing forward even when things get hard. When I made it to North Carolina A&T State University as a computer science major, I knew I was stepping into new territory, not just for myself, but for my entire family. As a first-generation student, I’ve had to figure things out the hard way. From navigating financial aid forms alone to balancing my coursework with a part-time job at Publix, there have been plenty of moments of uncertainty. I’ve made mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and learned that resilience sometimes just means showing up again the next day. But each challenge has made me stronger and more determined to make the most of this opportunity that my family never had. What keeps me going is my passion for technology and the belief that access to education and innovation can change lives, especially in communities that have been overlooked. That’s part of why I’m so active in organizations like NSBE, Girls Who Code, and Women in Cybersecurity. I want to not only build my own career in tech but also open doors for others who look like me. As the Region 3 Ambassador for NSBE Jr., I had the opportunity to mentor younger students, helping them see that success in STEM is possible regardless of where you start. I know firsthand how much representation and encouragement matter. Being the first in my family to do this has also taught me how to lead with empathy. I’ve learned to turn obstacles into opportunities, like when my car broke down before an exam, or when I had to juggle work and classes just to make ends meet. Those experiences didn’t break me; they built me. My dream is to become a cybersecurity engineer and create initiatives that teach minority youth how to protect themselves and their data in an increasingly digital world. Education has already changed my life, but I know I’m just getting started. This scholarship would help me focus more on learning and less on financial stress, allowing me to keep breaking barriers, not just for myself, but for the next generation of first-gen students who are daring to dream bigger than their circumstances. Being a first-generation student isn’t just about being the first. It’s about making sure you’re not the last.

From a young age, I have been passionate about helping others gain access to opportunities that can transform their lives. Currently, I make my community a better place by mentoring students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds, particularly assisting high school seniors with the college application process. Many of these students face significant challenges, including limited access to guidance, financial constraints, and little familiarity with higher education systems. By helping them complete applications, draft essays, and navigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities, I provide both practical support and encouragement. Watching a student submit their first college application, or seeing the excitement when they receive an acceptance letter, is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. These moments remind me of the importance of guidance and representation, and they motivate me to continue helping students pursue their dreams. In addition to college application support, I also serve as a mentor through Aggie Scouts, the NC A&T chapter of Girl Scouts for Brownies, and participate in STEM outreach initiatives. These experiences allow me to teach problem-solving skills, build confidence, and encourage curiosity in younger students. I take pride in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where students feel supported and capable of tackling new challenges. As a first-generation college student, I understand the obstacles students face when navigating academic systems without guidance, and I strive to make the path clearer, more accessible, and less intimidating for them. After college, I plan to continue this mission on a larger scale. I aim to develop programs and initiatives that provide mentorship, college guidance, and educational resources for students from marginalized communities. This could include leading workshops, creating accessible learning platforms, or offering one-on-one guidance to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. I also hope to advocate for policies and programs that support low-income students, helping to remove barriers that limit opportunity based on socioeconomic status. By combining my passion for education, mentorship, and technology, I hope to create a network of support that empowers students to reach their full potential. Ultimately, my vision is to use the skills, knowledge, and experiences I gain in college to empower others and make a lasting impact on my community. By continuing to mentor students, support college readiness, and provide access to educational opportunities, I hope to foster a ripple effect of achievement, confidence, and opportunity. Through these efforts, I am committed to helping students build brighter futures for themselves and contributing to a stronger, more equitable society.

One of the biggest obstacles I have had to overcome in pursuing higher education has been learning how to navigate the college process as a first-generation, low-income student. Coming from Memphis, Tennessee, I did not have many people around me who had gone to college, let alone studied computer science. I knew I wanted to break generational barriers, but I had no roadmap for how to get there. From applying for financial aid and scholarships to understanding how to choose the right major, every step required me to teach myself what others might have learned from experience or family guidance. The financial side of college was also a major challenge. There were times when I was not sure how I would afford tuition, housing, and basic expenses while still staying focused on my academics. Instead of giving up, I decided to seek help and build a support system. One of the people who made the biggest difference in helping me overcome this obstacle was my mentor from the CodeHouse Scholars Initiative. She was a software engineer who had also been the first in her family to attend college. She understood exactly what I was going through and guided me through financial planning, scholarship applications, and time management. Her advice and encouragement showed me that I was not alone and that my background did not define my limits. It defined my resilience. Another person who helped me persevere was my dad. Even though he did not have a college degree, he constantly reminded me that education was the most powerful tool I could have. On days when I felt overwhelmed, he would tell me, “You are doing this for more than yourself. You are doing this for every person in our family who did not get the chance.” Those words pushed me to keep going, even when the path felt uncertain. Through these experiences, I learned how to advocate for myself, seek resources, and build confidence in spaces where I did not always see people who looked like me. Pursuing a degree in computer science with a business minor at North Carolina A&T State University has opened doors I never thought possible. It has also strengthened my commitment to increasing diversity in STEM. I want to use my education to mentor students from low-income and minority backgrounds, showing them that there is a place for them in technology and that they can thrive despite systemic barriers. Overcoming these obstacles taught me that persistence and community support are key to success. I am not just pursuing a degree. I am paving the way for others who will follow.

My name is Logan Gregory, and I am a first-generation, low-income college student from Memphis, Tennessee, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business at North Carolina A&T State University. My journey into computer science began with curiosity and a desire to understand how technology shapes the world around us. Growing up, I did not have easy access to computers or advanced technology, but I was always fascinated by how it could connect people, solve problems, and create opportunities. Once I got the chance to take my first programming course in high school, I realized how powerful it felt to bring ideas to life through code, and I knew that this was the field where I could make a difference. As I learned more about technology, I discovered its potential to change lives—especially for people in underserved communities like the one I came from. That realization shaped my goal: to become a software engineer who builds tools that promote financial literacy, career development, and access to education. My dream job is to work in technology at a company that values innovation and impact, while also launching my own initiative that teaches coding and digital skills to students in low-income areas. I want to give others the same opportunity to explore technology that I had to work so hard to find. Being a first-generation student means that every step I take in college is a new experience for both me and my family. I have learned to balance coursework, employment, and leadership responsibilities while maintaining focus on my long-term goals. Outside of class, I dedicate time to mentoring high school seniors from low-income neighborhoods, helping them with college and scholarship applications. I also serve as a Girl Scouts mentor, guiding young girls as they develop leadership and STEM skills. These experiences allow me to pay forward the support I wish I had when I was their age, and they remind me that success means lifting others as you climb. I believe I am the best candidate for the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship because I share the same spirit of determination, compassion, and commitment to helping others that Chris embodied. Like him, I know what it’s like to struggle financially while pursuing a dream, yet remain driven by the desire to make a lasting impact through technology. This scholarship would not only ease the financial challenges of my education but would also allow me to focus more on using my skills to empower others. I want my journey to reflect the same values Chris lived by—hard work, kindness, and the belief that technology can make the world a better place.

My name is Logan Gregory, and I am a first-generation, low-income college student from Memphis, Tennessee, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business at North Carolina A&T State University. Growing up, I was taught the importance of perseverance and self-discipline, especially when faced with limited resources. My journey to higher education has not been easy, but it has been fueled by determination, community support, and a desire to create a better future for myself and others who share a similar background. This scholarship would not only lessen the financial strain that comes with being a first-generation student but also allow me to focus more on academic success, professional development, and community involvement. Coming from Memphis, a city with immense potential yet significant challenges, I witnessed firsthand how financial instability and lack of access to opportunities can discourage bright students from pursuing their dreams. My parents always emphasized education as the key to changing our circumstances, but as a first-generation student, I had to navigate the college process mostly on my own. That experience inspired me to help others facing the same uncertainty. Now, I mentor high school seniors from low-income areas, helping them with college and scholarship applications, reviewing essays, and guiding them through financial aid forms. Seeing the relief on their faces when they get accepted or earn a scholarship reminds me why I do what I do—it’s about opening doors that were once closed for students like us. Beyond academic mentoring, I also serve as a Girl Scouts mentor, where I guide young girls in developing leadership, teamwork, and STEM skills. Many of the girls I work with doubt their ability to succeed in science or technology, but through hands-on activities and confidence-building lessons, I show them that they are more capable than they realize. Being able to empower young girls in this way has strengthened my commitment to giving back and reminded me that mentorship has the power to transform lives. In the future, I plan to combine my knowledge of business and technology to develop programs that help underserved communities gain access to digital tools and financial literacy resources. I want to create platforms that make budgeting, career planning, and entrepreneurship more accessible for low-income students and families. By merging technology and business innovation, I hope to help others build generational wealth and stability. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it represents opportunity. It will allow me to continue my education, expand my community work, and ultimately fulfill my goal of using technology to empower others. My journey is about more than personal success; it’s about paving the way for others to follow and proving that where you come from does not have to define where you can go.

Growing up, I learned the value of hard work and resilience from my family, who always found ways to make something out of very little. As a first-generation African American woman from a low-income background, I have seen how lack of access and resources can limit opportunities. Like Henry Walker Sr., whose courage and service created lasting change, I believe in using my experiences to uplift others and serve a purpose greater than myself. If given the opportunity, I would continue expanding the work I have already started helping high school seniors from low-income areas apply to college and find scholarships. I began doing this because I understand what it feels like to want more but not know where to begin. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the college application process, unsure of how to navigate scholarships or financial aid. The people who guided me made all the difference, and their support inspired me to do the same for others. Now, I volunteer my time helping high school seniors complete applications, write essays, and research scholarships. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college and face the same barriers I once did. Seeing their excitement when they receive acceptance letters or financial aid brings me pride and purpose. These moments remind me why mentorship and community support matter so deeply. My goal is to expand this effort into a mentorship program that connects college students with high school seniors in underserved communities. Through workshops and one-on-one support, mentors could help students build confidence, develop writing skills, and better understand the college process. This program would also focus on financial literacy, teaching students how to manage money, apply for aid, and prepare for life beyond high school. I believe education should not be a privilege but an opportunity available to every student, no matter their background. Attending an HBCU has strengthened my commitment to service. Being surrounded by students and faculty who value leadership, history, and community motivates me to make an impact wherever I go. HBCUs represent perseverance and pride, and they remind me that success is not just about personal achievement but about opening doors for those who come after you. This mission is personal to me because I know how it feels to doubt whether your best will be enough. I have faced challenges that tested my patience and faith, yet each obstacle taught me the importance of perseverance and giving back. Improving my community means breaking cycles of limitation and creating pathways of hope for others. Henry Walker Sr.’s story reminds me that even without formal education, one person’s courage can inspire generations. Like him, I want to dedicate my life to service, education, and empowerment. By helping others reach their full potential, I can continue his legacy and build a future where no dream feels out of reach.

In the heart of Memphis, where the soulful rhythm of blues met the warmth of Southern hospitality, I learned what it meant to belong. It was home, the place where my laughter echoed through familiar streets and where family was never more than a few steps away. I grew up surrounded by a community that valued connection, family, and faith. Every block felt like an extension of my family, every face a reflection of familiarity. But one afternoon, as I stepped out of school and saw a dark blue 2013 Nissan Altima waiting where my granny’s car usually sat, I felt something shift deep within me. The car was the same color as the clouds that seemed to hang over that day, heavy and uncertain. I did not know it then, but that moment would mark the beginning of one of the most defining transitions of my life. My parents had been in Atlanta that week, and when they returned, I could sense an unfamiliar joy in them. Laughter filled the car, but it felt distant to me. I did not yet know that our lives were about to change, that we were leaving Memphis behind for Georgia. As the boxes stacked higher and our house emptied, I felt pieces of myself being packed away too. The drive to Georgia felt endless, each mile pulling me further from the only life I had ever known. Adjusting was harder than I could have imagined. The schools were different, the faces unfamiliar, and the community bonds that once came so naturally now felt completely out of reach. I went from being surrounded by people who knew me to walking through hallways full of strangers. I became quiet, guarded, and spent a lot of time in my own head, trying to make sense of what felt like losing my entire world. The loneliness hit hardest when the familiar sounds of Memphis, the laughter, the music, the voices of my cousins, were replaced by silence. But solitude has a strange way of shaping you. Over time, I realized that this move, as painful as it was, had given me a chance to discover who I was outside of the comfort of home. I began to rebuild piece by piece, starting with small acts of courage such as introducing myself to classmates, joining new clubs, volunteering, and learning how to start fresh. Slowly, I began to find my rhythm again. Leadership opportunities followed, and I found myself connecting with people who had stories as complex as my own. What once felt like isolation became the soil where my independence and confidence began to grow. Looking back now, I see that move not as a loss but as a transformation. It taught me resilience, empathy, and adaptability, qualities that have become the foundation of who I am today. I learned that sometimes the things we fear most are the very things that shape us into who we are meant to be. Moving away from Memphis taught me how to build community wherever I go, how to listen before I lead, and how to stay grounded even when life is unpredictable. Now, as a college student continuing my journey, those lessons still guide me. I have learned to embrace new environments and opportunities with openness and confidence. Whether I am leading a group project, mentoring peers, or learning new skills, I carry the mindset that change is not something to resist but something to grow through. I have also developed a deep passion for helping others adjust, connect, and find their place just as I had to. This experience has shaped my career goals in a powerful way. I want to build a career centered around leadership, innovation, and human connection, one where I can use my empathy and adaptability to create opportunities for others. Whether through community engagement, technology, or mentoring, I want to help others navigate change with courage and confidence. The move from Memphis to Georgia did not just change my address; it changed my perspective. It showed me that growth often begins where comfort ends. Today, I stand grounded in that truth, ready to continue embracing change not as a challenge, but as an open door to becoming who I am meant to be.

Growing up in South Memphis, where opportunities often felt out of reach, I learned early that I would have to create the future I wanted. I’m a first-generation college student, raised in a low-income household where tech wasn’t something we talked about—it was something we barely had access to. What shaped me most wasn’t just my environment, but my family. My dad, despite the odds stacked against him, always pushed my sister and me to dream big and keep going, no matter what stood in the way. Now, I’m a sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University, an HBCU that has become a space of both challenge and growth. I’m majoring in Computer Science and recently completed a Software Development Engineering internship at Amazon in Seattle. Being a freshman intern at one of the biggest tech companies in the world taught me more than just code—it reminded me of how few people in these spaces look like me. It made me realize that my presence isn’t just about achieving personal success, but also about paving the way for others who come from places like mine. My passion lies in cybersecurity—specifically Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). I see it as a path where I can merge my love for tech with my desire to protect people, communities, and systems. I’ve experienced what it feels like to be vulnerable—financially, emotionally, and digitally. I want to be part of the solution that keeps individuals and organizations safe in an increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity isn’t just a career for me; it’s a purpose. Outside the classroom, I’ve found ways to give back through service and leadership. I’ve mentored high school students interested in tech, volunteered with NSBE Jr., and even helped peers at my university learn the basics of programming. I’m also developing an app called Ramen to Riches, an AI-powered budgeting mentor for college students who struggle financially, just like I have. I want to use my education to break cycles—financial cycles, access gaps, and the feeling that you don’t belong in tech if you’re Black, low-income, or non-traditional. This scholarship would help me continue on my path with less financial stress and more focus. My program at NCAT is giving me the foundation I need, but certifications, conference travel, graduate school prep, and application fees are constant costs I worry about. The support from this scholarship would allow me to pursue certifications like Security+ and CISSP and prepare for leadership roles in cybersecurity without the weight of financial strain slowing me down. My goal is not just to make it—I want to create a pipeline for Black learners in cybersecurity. I want to build mentorship programs, launch high school workshops, and return to communities like mine to show students what’s possible. I want to be visible in rooms we were never meant to enter and make space for others to walk in too. I’ve made it this far through resilience, community, and faith in my purpose. With your support, I can go even further—not just for me, but for everyone who’s watching and waiting to see what’s possible.

Growing up in Memphis as a first-generation college student, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to intern at one of the biggest tech companies in the world. But even after securing a Software Development Engineering (SDE) internship with Amazon my freshman year, I still often find myself navigating a field that wasn’t built with people like me in mind. I’ve always been interested in technology, but it wasn’t until I started learning about cybersecurity—and more specifically, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)—that I felt I found my purpose. I see GRC as the backbone of ethical tech: it’s not just about protecting systems; it’s about protecting people. That’s the kind of work I want to dedicate my career to. In five years, I see myself working as a GRC analyst or cybersecurity consultant, helping organizations ensure they’re meeting regulatory standards and protecting user data in meaningful ways. I want to earn industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and eventually CISSP, and either pursue a master's degree or dive deep into hands-on roles that expand my skills in risk assessment and compliance frameworks. In ten years, I hope to be in a senior-level position or leading a cybersecurity education initiative—either at a large tech company, a non-profit, or even within a school system—focused on creating access for students from marginalized communities. This scholarship means more than financial help—it means time, peace of mind, and a vote of confidence. Being low-income and self-supporting, I constantly have to balance the need to work with my desire to learn. I’ve often had to pass on opportunities simply because I couldn’t afford the materials, tests, or time off work. This scholarship would help remove some of those barriers. It would allow me to focus on the things that will truly move me forward in my cybersecurity journey—without feeling like I’m falling behind financially or academically just to survive. Beyond just making it in the field, I want to give back. I want to create a space for LGBTQIA+ youth, especially Black youth, to see themselves in tech. To know they belong, that their perspective matters, and that being different can be their greatest strength. I want to be a mentor, an advocate, and eventually someone who opens doors for the next person who’s trying to find their way like I was. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my dreams—it would help me reach back and pull others forward, too.

As a first-generation college student from South Memphis, majoring in Computer Science at North Carolina A&T State University, my journey through STEM has been full of ambition, growth, and real challenges—especially financial ones. This summer, I was selected as a Software Development Engineering (SDE) intern at Amazon in Bellevue, Washington. I was one of the youngest interns on my team, thrown into a fast-paced environment surrounded by engineers who were often years ahead of me. It was a life-changing experience that made me even more committed to pursuing a career in cybersecurity—specifically GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance)—but it also made me realize how much more preparation I need to succeed in this field long term. While the internship gave me valuable exposure to corporate tech environments and sharpened my skills in cloud infrastructure and compliance frameworks, I also became more aware of the hidden costs that come with trying to advance professionally. Graduate program admissions tests, study materials, certifications, and application fees all cost money I simply don’t have. For example, preparing for and taking the GRE can cost over $300 when you factor in test prep, and applying to multiple grad programs adds hundreds more in fees. On top of that, cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISA, and CISSP are not only expensive, but necessary for me to be competitive in GRC roles. These financial pressures are real, and they can make students like me—low-income, first-gen, and already stretched thin—feel like we have to choose between survival and advancement. Receiving this scholarship would give me the freedom to keep pushing forward without sacrificing my well-being or taking on additional jobs that eat into my study time. It would allow me to fully focus on building out the next steps of my career, including studying for certifications, applying to professional programs, and preparing for full-time roles in cybersecurity after graduation. But this support wouldn’t stop with me. My long-term goal is to build initiatives that create access for Black and low-income students in tech, especially in cybersecurity, where representation is still lacking. I plan to use my platform and experience to mentor high school and college students, host workshops on digital safety and career prep, and one day return to my hometown to build a tech pipeline for students like me. I want to be the example that proves your zip code doesn’t define your future. This scholarship would help me continue proving that—while also giving me the tools to uplift others walking the same path.

As a first-born, first-generation college student from a low-income household, I carry a lot on my shoulders—but I also carry a lot of pride. I’ve always felt the pressure to succeed, to set the example, and to break cycles that held my family back. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped exactly who I am: someone who’s hungry for change and determined to create it. I’m majoring in Computer Science at North Carolina A&T with plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity, specifically in Governance, Risk, and Compliance. I want to protect more than just systems—I want to protect people. I come from a place where access to information, safety, and opportunity wasn’t guaranteed. I want to make sure the digital spaces we rely on are built with everyone in mind, especially people who’ve been overlooked or left vulnerable. Being Black means being powerful, even when the world tries to tell you otherwise. It means being rooted in something deep—resilience, creativity, strength. It means knowing I come from people who survived and thrived, and that I owe it to them—and myself—to keep going. That’s why I chose to attend an HBCU. At North Carolina A&T, I’m surrounded by excellence that looks like me. I feel seen, challenged, and empowered. I don’t have to explain my background—I get to grow in it. And every step I take, I take for my family, my younger siblings, and the future I’m building for us all.

Being a student at North Carolina A&T State University means more than just getting a degree—it represents opportunity, transformation, and breaking generational cycles. As a first-generation college student from Memphis, Tennessee, who grew up in a less fortunate household, I understand what it means to struggle and to fight for a better future. At times, we had to prioritize needs over wants and figure things out without a safety net. That background fuels everything I do. It’s the reason I push myself academically, take initiative, and stay grounded in my purpose. At A&T, I’ve found not just a place to grow but a community that reflects my values. Being at the largest historically Black university has taught me the importance of pride, resilience, and purpose. It’s shown me that my story matters, and that I’m capable of changing the narrative for myself and others. As a Computer Science student, I’ve worked hard to build the skills I need to thrive in the tech world, but I’ve also learned to lead with empathy and intention. This past summer, I interned at Amazon as a Software Development Engineer in Seattle. It was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to what’s possible—and to what still needs work. Walking into such a massive, high-impact company and realizing that there weren’t many people who looked like me was both eye-opening and motivating. It reminded me why I’m doing this: to make sure more students from underrepresented backgrounds not only enter these spaces but feel like they belong there. That’s also why I’m building Ramen to Riches, a budgeting app designed to help college students—especially those coming from financially limited households—learn how to manage money, build habits, and make smarter decisions early in life. My long-term goal is to work in cybersecurity, specifically Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), where I can help protect systems and people while also advocating for ethics, access, and equity in tech. North Carolina A&T has equipped me with the tools, confidence, and community to move forward with purpose. I carry the lessons from my upbringing, my education, and my internship with me every day—and I’m committed to turning all of it into impact. Most importantly, I want to be the example I didn’t always see growing up. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, creating solutions that make life easier, or simply opening doors for someone else, I plan to use my journey to make a difference.