My name is Trae Steed, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management and Psychology at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. I was raised by a single mother, a Black woman and educator, who chose to conceive me through artificial insemination. From a young age, I witnessed the strength it takes to not only raise a child alone but to do so with intention, love, and a deep commitment to education and service. Her resilience taught me to embrace who I am, value where I come from, and work toward creating a more just and compassionate world. Growing up as a mixed-race male, I often found myself caught between cultures and expectations. That experience, while challenging, helped shape me into someone who leads with empathy and purpose. I have learned to use my voice not only to define my identity but to support others who face similar struggles of belonging and self-worth. I’ve taken that sense of purpose into my work with the CHAMP Program at Rowan University and the Center for Black Educators, where I’ve served as a mentor and educator to students from underserved communities. I also actively contribute to the NAACP chapter at Rutgers, where we advocate for social justice, equity in education, and youth empowerment. These experiences have affirmed my desire to lead a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship, mental health support, and career development to marginalized youth and adults. I believe every person deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and supported—especially those who feel left out of traditional narratives of success. My dual major equips me with both the interpersonal insight and the organizational skills necessary to build that kind of space and lead with both compassion and strategy. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would ease the financial challenges of college, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, community service, and leadership development. But beyond the financial support, being selected would be a meaningful affirmation of the values I strive to live by—resilience, service, and making a lasting difference. I am deeply committed to using my education and lived experiences to create a positive impact, not only in my local community but wherever I’m needed. I carry forward the lessons my mother taught me: to rise with dignity, to give back generously, and to lead with a heart full of purpose. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

One of the most defining experiences of my life has been growing up in a single-parent household, raised by a Black woman who made the courageous choice to conceive me through artificial insemination. As a mixed-race male, I often struggled to navigate identity, belonging, and social expectations in environments that didn’t always reflect or understand my background. While I was surrounded by love and support at home, I frequently felt pressure to explain my family structure or justify why my life didn’t look like everyone else's. This emotional isolation was a quiet adversity—one that made me question my worth and place in the world. What changed my perspective was watching how my mother embraced every challenge with strength and intention. She didn’t just raise me—she made sure I felt whole. She went as far as to seek out my biological siblings and encouraged me to form bonds with them, allowing me to understand that family can be defined by love, not convention. Her example taught me that adversity can be a foundation for growth, not a barrier to it. This experience shaped me into someone who leads with empathy and purpose. Rather than allow my feelings of difference to consume me, I now use them as fuel to support others who feel unseen or misunderstood. I’ve spent my summers working as a mentor and educator for the CHAMP Program through Rowan University and the Center for Black Educators, where I connect with students who, like me, are navigating complex identities and social circumstances. I also serve as a member of the NAACP at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, where I advocate for equity, education, and community empowerment. To anyone facing similar adversity—whether that’s growing up in a nontraditional family or struggling to understand their place in the world—I would say this: you are not broken, and you are not alone. Your story is valid, and your perspective is powerful. The things that make you different are often the very things that prepare you to lead, heal, and inspire others. Embrace who you are, and don’t be afraid to seek connection, even if it looks different from what others might expect. I’m currently majoring in Human Resource Management and Psychology because I want to build inclusive spaces—at work, in schools, and in communities—where people feel valued and supported. My goal is to lead a nonprofit organization focused on mentorship, mental health, and leadership development for underserved youth. The Simon Strong Scholarship would help relieve financial burdens and allow me to continue turning my challenges into tools for change. I carry my experiences with pride, and I am committed to using them to uplift others every step of the way.

One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was growing up in a single-parent household as a mixed-race male, raised by my mother—a strong, determined Black woman who chose to become a parent through artificial insemination. While my childhood was filled with love and purpose, it was also marked by emotional and social obstacles that deeply shaped who I am today. As I got older, I became increasingly aware of the complexity of my identity. I often felt the need to explain myself—why I didn’t have a traditional family structure, why I looked different from many of my peers, and why my path seemed less conventional. These questions made me feel isolated at times, especially in environments that didn’t reflect or affirm my experiences. For a while, I internalized this sense of otherness and questioned my value. But my mother’s example and guidance challenged me to shift that mindset. She not only made space for me to explore my identity—she also helped me find my biological siblings and encouraged relationships that filled emotional gaps I hadn’t known how to express. That act of love taught me that family and connection don’t always follow the expected path, and that the strength to define your own life is a gift, not a weakness. This personal challenge taught me how to turn discomfort into purpose. I began seeking out opportunities where I could be the kind of support I had needed growing up. I became a mentor and educator in the CHAMP Program through Rowan University and the Center for Black Educators, working with youth who, like me, navigate identity and belonging in complex ways. I also joined the NAACP chapter at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, where I advocate for social equity and community empowerment. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that challenges are not barriers—they’re building blocks. Struggling with identity and self-worth helped me become more empathetic, resilient, and driven. It taught me how to use my voice not just to speak up for myself, but to advocate for others who may feel unseen or misunderstood. This lesson continues to guide my path. As a Human Resource Management and Psychology major, I am learning how to build supportive environments where people from all backgrounds can thrive. My long-term goal is to lead a nonprofit organization focused on mentorship, mental health, and career readiness for underserved youth. The Xavier M. Monroe Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education while honoring the spirit of resilience, compassion, and service. It would also support my commitment to using the lessons I’ve learned not only to better myself, but to uplift others—because I now understand that the heart of gold is forged through life’s hardest moments.

Service is not just something I do—it’s a core part of who I am. Growing up in a single-parent household, raised by a strong Black woman who is an educator, I learned early on that giving back is both a responsibility and a calling. My life experiences have taught me the power of representation, community, and lifting others as you climb. Today, through mentorship, advocacy, and academic pursuits, I strive to live out those values every day. During the summers, I served as a mentor and educator in the CHAMP Program through Rowan University and the Center for Black Educators. These initiatives support Black and Brown students by helping them explore academic achievement, leadership, and the field of education. My role involved leading workshops, facilitating discussions on identity and purpose, and serving as a positive role model for students who may not see themselves reflected in traditional educational spaces. Many of the students in the programs have never had a Black male educator or mentor, and I took pride in being part of changing that reality. Being able to show up for them, encourage them, and remind them of their worth was one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. In addition to my work with CHAMP, I am an active member of the NAACP chapter at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. Through this organization, I engage in advocacy efforts around civil rights, educational equity, and community empowerment. I’ve helped organize campus events focused on social justice, voter education, and student support, all while continuing to build bridges between the university and the surrounding community. My academic focus in Human Resource Management and Psychology directly supports my passion for service. I chose these majors because I believe that the most effective way to bring about change is by understanding people—how they think, what motivates them, and how systems can either support or hinder their growth. With this educational foundation, I plan to pursue a career in organizational leadership or education-based nonprofit work, where I can develop inclusive programs, lead with empathy, and advocate for equity in workplaces and schools. My goal is to one day establish a youth development organization that focuses on mentorship, mental health awareness, and leadership training for underserved students. I want to use my knowledge of human behavior and organizational systems to build environments that empower young people to thrive. The Michael Pride, Jr. ProjectEX Scholarship is not just financial support—it’s a reflection of the values I’ve carried with me all my life: service, perseverance, and community uplift. Being awarded this scholarship would allow me to continue my education while expanding the work I’m already doing to make a difference. I carry the lessons of my upbringing and the strength of my community with me every step of the way. And I’m committed to using my education and voice to ensure others rise alongside me.

Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped my identity, values, and aspirations in profound ways. My mother, a Black woman and devoted educator, made the courageous and intentional decision to conceive me through artificial insemination. She chose to bring me into the world on her own terms, with love, purpose, and determination. Her strength, vision, and unwavering support continue to shape the person I strive to become each day. My mother wore many hats—caregiver, provider, teacher, advocate—and never once wavered in her commitment to my well-being. Even while she held down multiple part-time jobs to ensure we had everything we needed, she still supported me with homework, projects, and extracurricular activities. As an educator, she emphasized the importance of learning not just in the classroom, but in life. She modeled what it means to lead with integrity, give selflessly, and persevere through challenges. Watching her balance a demanding profession with the responsibilities of single parenthood inspired my own drive to succeed. She didn’t just tell me I could do anything—I saw her live that truth every day. One of the most powerful decisions my mother made was to help me build a relationship with my biological siblings. Rather than shy away from the complexities of my conception, she embraced them with honesty and compassion. She sought out my siblings and created opportunities for us to connect and grow together. Her actions taught me that family is not solely defined by traditional norms, but by love, intention, and shared humanity. Through this experience, I learned the values of openness, empathy, and the courage it takes to nurture relationships built on truth. Living in a single-parent household came with its own set of challenges—financial limitations, societal assumptions, and emotional burdens. But these obstacles only strengthened my resilience. They taught me how to work hard, stay focused, and appreciate the value of every opportunity. I became fiercely independent, yet deeply grateful for the support and sacrifices my mother made to ensure I had the tools to thrive. My ambitions have been shaped by this foundation. I aim to become a leader who centers equity, compassion, and justice in all I do. I want to build a career where I can advocate for underrepresented voices, support young people in realizing their potential, and create spaces where unconventional stories—like mine—are honored and celebrated. I believe that my background gives me a unique perspective, and I am committed to using it to make a meaningful difference in the world. To be considered for the Marie J. Lamerique Scholarship is deeply personal. This scholarship honors the spirit of a life committed to strength, resilience, and hope—values that echo throughout my upbringing. Being raised by a single mother who made bold and loving choices on my behalf has given me a sense of purpose that I carry with me in every goal I set and every step I take in my journey. I am proud of my story, and even more proud of the woman who made it possible.