If I could address a specific social issue, it would be educational equity. Education is a fundamental aspect needed for a community and its people to flourish but can only be achieved when all students are given the tools required to attain academic and social proficiency. Far too many students, especially those who are poor or from marginalized communities, are at a disadvantage because they do not have equal access to the tools or can't overcome barriers that prevent access. Personally, I have witnessed and benefitted from the immense impact just one person earning a college degree can make on a family. My mother, an orphan who grew up impoverished but was able to leverage her academic prowess earning her a full scholarship which changed her life and mine. My mother's stories about her lack of resources and opportunity, homelessness and poverty fueled me to change the family narrative by taking advantage of the best education and opportunities. My efforts led to acceptance into a top university. An old biblical passage reads, " to whom much is given, much is expected" (Luke.12:48). This quote inspired me to also encourage others to seek ways to overcome the inherent challenges faced when coming from marginalized communities with educational challenges. The consequences of educational inequity result in below grade level basic math and reading skills ending with students graduating without the essential skills needed for gaining employment or transitioning to higher education. Some don't graduate at all.  Sadly, educational poverty is also associated with higher criminality rates, mental health concerns, and higher percentages of reliance on government subsidies which I have seen first hand in my own family. Growing up during a pandemic and social justice movement fostered a keen awareness of educational disparities which likely also contribute to well established wealth gaps in society. My drive to change this narrative led to me speaking at the 100 Black Men of America's National Convention about my educational journey and as a competitive soccer player. I also spoke at WEB DuBois Day in Philadelphia, served as an ambassador for Tuskegee Airmen and hosted DEI panel discussions. volunteered at the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/ Anti- Violence Network. I used these platforms to speak on the unique challenges students like me face in academia and athletics, talked about ways to navigate circumstances when misjudged and encouraged students to seek out educational programs like A Better Chance for support and resources. As a scholar athlete in college, my time is more limited due to the heavy demands of playing division one soccer. However, I remain active in NAACP, Penn Wharton Leadership Academy. volunteer at the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/ Anti- Violence Network and host soccer clinics to introduce young kids to soccer. Today, I speak specifically about becoming the first male in my family to earn a college degree because many students can relate to this phenomenon. Having young soccer players or students contact me for advice or hearing my younger cousins or nephew talk about me in college lets me know I am planting positive seeds. Overall, I hope I am changing the narrative within my community and my family by encouraging the importance of education. In five years, I hope to be actively working in the financial industry. I'd like to continue my efforts by helping others from underserved communities become more financially literate and aware of resources in education. Equity in education can not only change a person's life but that of their families and entire communities. Society must find ways to address and remove barriers that prevent educational equity. All children should be afforded a good education.

Growing up in a family well ensconced in environmental poverty and housing insecurity, I saw up close the effects of the wealth gap that exists between Black and Whites. I attended school with people who belonged to a different tax bracket than me. I also experienced imposter syndrome at a young age leading me to eventually develop a stronger sense of self, direction, and purpose. My experiences fostered my goal to close the financial divide by pursuing a career in finance. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania playing on the men's soccer team.My major is Philosophy, Political Science and Economics. This major offers comprehensive exposure to various aspects of finance, consumerism and an introduction into law. I plan to land a career in wealth and asset management or consulting while keeping the possibility of attending law school open. A career in wealth management aligns with my outgoing personality, values, public speaking skills and enjoyment of human interaction. Last summer, I interned at The City of Camden Redevelopment Agency (CCRA). While there, my desire to empower others to attain economic prosperity was cultivated. At CCRA, I was able to see how local agencies oversee, allocate and incorporate state and federal funding monies such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program into the real estate portfolio. While doing this work, the topic of well documented redlining came up along with the gentrification seen in Camden and Philadelphia neighborhoods. After collecting data and curating asset and real estate reports based on Camden City, I realized the impact home ownership can have on generational wealth. I reflected on my father who grew up in a rented row home in North Philadelphia in an area now considered Brewerytown with soaring home values now owned by White residents. I imagined what could have been had our family owned and retained that home. While at CCRA, I also saw firsthand the impact legislative programming can improve housing insecurity and wealth gaps in underserved communities. Working at CCRA reinforced my desire to pursue a career that will empower me to achieve individual success but will ultimately provide me the skills to help others attain better economic standing. Whether my contributions include financial literacy, economic development or becoming a lawyer to help enact legislation akin to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, I want to have a career that offers me a sense of purpose. This year, my goals include effective performance in academics, athletics and leadership on and off the field. I attend the Penn Athletic Wharton Leadership Academy, serve as a Tuskegee Airmen Ambassador, volunteer at the Philadelphia Anti Drug Anti Violence Network and hosts soccer clinics in Philadelphia. These experiences have helped me improve in key areas such as: problem solving, active listening, communication, decisiveness and public speaking. My courses this year include international political economy, strategic reasoning, and macroeconomics are also providing me the educational tools to pursue finance and law. I believe my collective educational and leadership efforts will help prepare me for a productive career that aligns with my personal sense to give back to my community by fostering financial literacy and empowerment. To me, success is a relative state and isn't always measured by your zip code, bank account or titles behind your name. Success to me, is driven by what you offer to others while you are here and what legacy and lessons you leave behind. I'd like to leave behind more than what I took.

Growing up in a family well ensconced in environmental poverty and housing insecurity, I saw up close the effects of the wealth gap that exists between Black and Whites. I attended school with people who belonged to a different tax bracket than me. I experienced imposter syndrome at a young age leading me to eventually develop a stronger sense of self, direction, and purpose. My experiences fostered my goal to close the financial divide by pursuing a career in finance. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania playing on the men's soccer team.My major is Philosophy, Political Science and Economics. This major offers comprehensive exposure to various aspects of finance, consumerism and an introduction into law. I plan to land a career in wealth and asset management or consulting while keeping the possibility of attending law school open. A career in wealth management aligns with my outgoing personality, values, public speaking skills and enjoyment of human interaction. Last summer, I interned at The City of Camden Redevelopment Agency (CCRA). While there, my desire to empower others to attain economic prosperity was cultivated. At CCRA, I was able to see how local agencies oversee, allocate and incorporate state and federal funding monies such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program into the real estate portfolio. While doing this work, the topic of well documented redlining came up along with the gentrification seen in Camden and Philadelphia neighborhoods. After collecting data and curating asset and real estate reports based on Camden City, I realized the impact home ownership can have on generational wealth. I reflected on my father who grew up in a rented row home in North Philadelphia in an area now considered Brewerytown with soaring home values now owned by White residents. I imagined what could have been had our family owned and retained that home. While at CCRA, I also saw firsthand the impact legislative programming can improve housing insecurity and wealth gaps in underserved communities. Working at CCRA reinforced my desire to pursue a career that will empower me to achieve individual success but will ultimately provide me the skills to help others attain better economic standing. Whether my contributions include financial literacy, economic development or becoming a lawyer to help enact legislation akin to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, I want to help improve the lives of marginalized citizens. This year, my goals include effective performance in academics, athletics and leadership on and off the field. I attend the Penn Athletic Wharton Leadership Academy, serve as a Tuskegee Airmen Ambassador, volunteer at the Philadelphia Anti Drug Anti Violence Network and hosts soccer clinics in Philadelphia. These experiences have helped me improve in key areas such as: problem solving, active listening, communication, decisiveness and public speaking. My courses this year include international political economy, strategic reasoning, and macroeconomics are also providing me the educational tools to pursue finance and law. I believe my collective educational and leadership efforts will help me make a positive impact on the world in the following three ways: allow me to foster financial literacy in underserved areas, be a role model for up and coming young men like myself and help close the financial wealth gap between White and Black America. To me, success is a relative state and isn't always measured by your zip code, bank account or titles behind your name. Success to me, is driven by what you offer to others while you are here and what legacy and lessons you leave behind. I'd like to leave behind more than what I took.

Growing up in a family well ensconced in environmental poverty and housing insecurity, I saw up close the effects of the wealth gap that exists between Black and Whites. I attended school with people who belonged to a different tax bracket than me. I experienced imposter syndrome at a young age leading me to eventually develop a stronger sense of self, direction, and purpose. My experiences fostered my goal to close the financial divide by pursuing a career in finance. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania playing on the men's soccer team.My major is Philosophy, Political Science and Economics. This major offers comprehensive exposure to various aspects of finance, consumerism and an introduction into law. I plan to land a career in wealth and asset management or consulting while keeping the possibility of attending law school open. A career in wealth management aligns with my outgoing personality, values, public speaking skills and enjoyment of human interaction. Last summer, I interned at The City of Camden Redevelopment Agency (CCRA). While there, my desire to empower others to attain economic prosperity was cultivated. At CCRA, I was able to see how local agencies oversee, allocate and incorporate state and federal funding monies such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program into the real estate portfolio. While doing this work, the topic of well documented redlining came up along with the gentrification seen in Camden and Philadelphia neighborhoods. After collecting data and curating asset and real estate reports based on Camden City, I realized the impact home ownership can have on generational wealth. I reflected on my father who grew up in a rented row home in North Philadelphia in an area now considered Brewerytown with soaring home values now owned by White residents. I imagined what could have been had our family owned and retained that home. While at CCRA, I also saw firsthand the impact legislative programming can improve housing insecurity and wealth gaps in underserved communities. Working at CCRA reinforced my desire to pursue a career that will empower me to achieve individual success but will ultimately provide me the skills to help others attain better economic standing. Whether my contributions include financial literacy, economic development or becoming a lawyer to help enact legislation akin to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, I want to help improve the lives of marginalized citizens. This year, my goals include effective performance in academics, athletics and leadership on and off the field. I attend the Penn Athletic Wharton Leadership Academy, serve as a Tuskegee Airmen Ambassador, volunteer at the Philadelphia Anti Drug Anti Violence Network and host soccer clinics at 100 Black Men of Philadelphia. These experiences have helped me improve in key areas such as: problem solving, active listening, decisiveness and public speaking. My courses this year include international political economy, strategic reasoning, and macroeconomics are also providing me the educational tools to pursue finance and law. I believe my collective educational and leadership efforts will help me make a positive impact on the world in the following three ways: allow me to foster financial literacy in underserved areas, be a role model for up and coming young men like myself and help close the financial wealth gap between White and Black America. To me, success is a relative state and isn't always measured by your zip code, bank account or titles behind your name. Success to me, is driven by what you offer to others while you are here and what legacy and lessons you leave behind. I'd like to leave behind more than what I took.

As a freshman in college, my career aspirations continue to evolve. My current major is philosophy, political science, and economics (PPE). I also plan to minor in consumer psychology. The PPE degree provides me with an opportunity to keep a variety of career options open. I envision a career either as a principal at a mutual fund company or leading a nonprofit organization, yet I am keeping the option of attending law school open. Ideally, I will become a lawyer at a mutual fund company or nonprofit. Understanding how people think and perceive issues is a vital skill set to have today in whichever career I land. This is why I have chosen the consumer psychology minor. The science of money causing global economic swings resulting in inflation, recession, or boom economies has always been particularly fascinating to me. Reading about the effects of wars, pandemics, legislation, or presidential elections have had on market fluctuations, communities or entire country's financial standing led me to consider a career in the financial industry. Coming from a family background where stories of poverty, poor education, criminality, and addiction has steered the lives of many of my family members, I am keenly aware an Ivy League pedigree can alter my life trajectory & influence the course of the next generation in my family. My college degree will not only help me gain life success but also help create generational wealth by encouraging family members to continue a path towards changing the family narrative. Unlike other D1 schools, Ivy League Institutions do not offer athletic scholarships, so my financial package includes loans, tuition & work study (which is hard due to my athletic and academic demands). The final tuition bill which was loaded with unanticipated costs shocked me and my family. Although I likely would have benefitted from a more lucrative athletic financial package at a non-Ivy university, I chose the University of Pennsylvania because of its commitment to academic excellence, social causes, and the likelihood of optimal career opportunities post-graduation. This is a decision I don’t regret after my first year because I am more motivated than ever to succeed. Yet, it is one that provoked me to seek ways to help make it financially possible to stay in school. Short term, receiving support from the Morgan, Levin, Dolan Scholarship would allow me to buy extra food during the in-season, pay phone bills & team fees, get haircuts, opt of work study, purchase books and a new computer. From a long-term perspective, the Morgan, Levine, Dolan Scholarship will help me realize my personal dream of becoming the first male in my family to earn a college degree and likely the first ever to become a lawyer. Whether I am employed for a nonprofit or serve in a volunteer capacity, I welcome the opportunity to give back by empowering marginalized communities to understand financial literacy better and value the power in higher education. I would also enjoy being a role model to younger men in my family and serving as a beacon of hope to others.

Like so many other young men my age, I measured success on tangible things that can be seen. Things like how much money you have in the bank, what kind of car you drive, how much is in your paycheck or how big your house is are the things young people assume make a person successful. The ubiquity and influence social media has in my generation has perpetuated ostentatious images to make my generation believe evenmore that one is only successful if they can show off their material possession online for all to see. I’d like to say as a young 18 year old boy I haven't succumbed to these thoughts, but the truth is I have at some point in time. However, I was prompted to rethink my perspective about how success is measured after living through the worst pandemic ever and a global social justice movement. I reflected on my life as a young black man, who I am, where I come from and what I wanna be. To this extent, I slowly began to change my definition of success. I started to look back over multiple generations of my family. Sadly, the picture was quite bleak. Our family has been besieged by addiction, poverty, poor housing and underemployment which led to limited generational opportunity and exposure to key caveats in life needed to prosper. My mother, the product of addiction, was left an orphan. She struggled through the foster care system, struggled to find her identity and dealt with childhood trauma. Despite the odds stacked against her, she pursued education as her only way out of poverty and disparity. Though her life was full of challenges, her perseverance led to acceptance into Ivy League universities. She didn’t attend any because the price tag was too high and she wasn’t aware of scholarships or ways to gain assistance. She attended a state university instead via a full academic scholarship and earned a college degree. It was because of her education, I have been exposed to o educational access and awareness. Her dream was to open up the doors that were closed to her because of ignorance and lack of support. I often think about what it must have been like for her not to have a mother or father helping her with homework, picking her up from after school activities, watching her play sports on the weekends, or checking her homework to make sure it was completed. The anxiety of worrying about where she would live and with whom at the age of sixteen had to be overwhelming. The tenacity required to keep her mind on her studies amazes me. Her goal was to obtain a college degree so she could change her life and that of her children when she had them. Her college degree not only changed her life, but has changed the lives of me and my sisters. In the community I grew up in, college is expected and graduating is a rite of passage. My affluent friends don't see a degree as the truest measure of success. I have friends whose parents own companies and fraternize with politicians and powerful people. Their homes, pedigree, bank account and zip code symbolize success to them. However, in my opinion, my mother has achieved the greatest measure of success because she came from nothing yet didn't let her disadvantage write her story. Her college degree symbolizes hard work, fierce dedication and a clear goal. Her goal was to change her narrative and to establish a family she never had. I am her goal. I am one of her three children. I went to a private school. I played sports at an elite level. I gained acceptance into multiple Ivy League institutions and unlike her, I was afforded all the tools I needed to attend. My sisters graduated from college as well. To some, it may not be a major feat. To my mother, it is her truest success to pass on generational educational wealth and life opportunities. Receiving the Chris & Carnduff Scholarship will help me become the first male in my family to earn a college degree. It will help my family continue to change the narrative not only within our family but our community. Success to me looks like change and impacting the lives of others. The scholarship will help me continue to change the trajectory of my family for years to come by demonstrating the value of endless possibilities when a person is given access and opportunity. The scholarship will help me carry on my mothers idea of what success looks like.

Playing competitive soccer was the catalyst for many great things in my life. The game introduced me to international travel and throughout the United States. I’ve met many great people from all walks of life, great athletes and made lifelong friends. Ultimately, soccer was a conduit from me getting recruited by the top Ivy League universities which was my dream. These are amazing opportunities I would not have had as a young black boy growing up in a humble low middle-class family. Sadly, despite the amazing opportunities I gained from soccer, it also introduced me to the harsh realities of racism in the sport. Racist words on the field tested my character, strength and identity as a young black man life never before. My team was playing the last of a three-game tournament. I was in most critical stages of collegiate recruitment with many collegiate coaches watching me. The striker came running at me with lightning speed right and kicked the ball. I jumped at least one foot off the ground, headed the ball away crashing into the net. I saved a game winning goal from going in. As I got up, a White player from the other team yelled in my ear “nice header, ugly black boy”. The words felt like somebody hit me in my gut. With only forty seconds remaining in the game, I couldn’t react. I had recently hosted a DEI panel discussion at my school, so I was acutely aware of the historical implications behind Black men being called “boy” by White men. So, when the game ended, I asked him exactly what he had said to me. He reiterated exactly what he had. I emphatically let him know a White person wasn’t allowed to call me that derogatory name. After the heated exchange, we both were suspended for four games. At the height of my recruitment, I had to tell several coaches why I wasn’t playing in those games. I was brutally honest and explained the visceral pain I felt hearing that word. Although I was conflicted with how I handled the situation, a part of me felt good that I stood up for what I believed in a way my ancestors couldn’t. The unwelcomed experience taught me that no matter how well educated, well-traveled, and articulate I am, some in society can’t see past my skin color or coarse hair. After contemplating quitting soccer for a moment, I opted instead to use the negativity as fuel to give me newfound energy to find ways to help change the negative narratives about Black menin society. I spoke at WEB DuBois Day in Philadelphia, 100 Black Men of America, hosted a DEI discussion, and currently serve as a Tuskegee airman Ambassador. In these roles, I discuss ways to effectively engage when others mistreat or misjudge you. I also advocate the power of education, good character and emotional intelligence. I proudly tell others Black males; I will be the first male in my family to earn a college degree and encourage them to do the same. More importantly, I let them know it wasn’t easy overcoming financial, educational and social barriers but it can be done. I’m happy to say my college recruitment had a happy ending. Today, I am a freshman at my top choice, the University of Pennsylvania playing on its soccer team. I am also a Black Student League and Black Athletes at Penn. I feel immense pride in my culture and identity as a young Black man. I hope to continue making an impact on the diversity, equity and inclusion forefront.

As a college freshman, my career aspirations are a bit fluid. My current major is philosophy, political science and economics (PPE). I will also pursue a minor in computer science. The PPE degree affords me a plethora of career options open. A career either as a principal at a mutual fund company or developing a financial application are areas of interest for me. Technological experience is a vital skill set in today’s world. Whether I pursue a career in the financial industry, having technological mastery will strengthen my professional aptitude and potential. Since attending a summer camp at a local university, my interest with the world of finance was piqued. I learned there, the business world is an intricate microcosm where capitalism, politics, trends, fashion, current events and law intersect. As a member of a marginalized community, I also know firsthand how long-term economic disparity has impacted generational wealth and upward mobility in the African American community. Reading about redlining practices, dubious legislative agendas and events such as the Tulsa massacre made me want to make an impact knowing there are few prominent Black financiers. The PPE degree is a great conduit for me to seek more understanding of the mindsets, historical practices and laws that led to the current economic disparities that exist today within communities of color. My commitment to diversity and equity is a big part of who I am and spawned from experiences in the classroom and on the soccer field. After hosting a DEI panel as a high school student, I sought out ways to change pervasive negative narratives about Black men in today’s society. I used speaking engagements at W.E.B. DuBois Day in Philadelphia, the 100 Black Men of America’s National Convention and serving as a Tuskegee Airmen Ambassador to discuss ways to healthily process and develop greater emotional intelligence when navigating the challenges of microaggressions, being misjudged, or discriminated against as a young Black man. As an A Better Chance Scholar, I am most proud that I was awarded the Nancy J Lucas Award for promoting social justice and equity in my community. This honor has strengthened my commitment to continue pursuing ways to offer my unique perspectives as a young Black man to my academic, athletic and professional communities. Growing up, I was always the only boy of color in my classes and soccer teams. Today, I am the only active African American player on my college team. I chose the University of Pennsylvania because it has historically shown a purposeful commitment to diversity with its programming and resources. I am also surrounded by a team and school community with initiatives to make me feel welcome. There are not many Black men who graduate from Penn. I want to use my college experience to show others they too can get accepted into Penn and become the first male in their family to earn a college degree like me. Receiving this scholarship will help me continue to show representation both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Unlike other division one collegiate sports programs, Penn doesnt provide athletic scholarships so receiving financial assistance is essential for me to be able to complete a four year degree. Looking towards my future, I am motivated at the possibilities of ways I can represent myself, my company, team and family so well that when people see me, their first thought may not be what the color of my skin is but one centered on my intellect, my ability, my oratory excellence and my value to their mission. Rather, they will see a Penn graduate.