Help Send Me to ACLU Institute
Hello! My name is Rebekah Etique. I am currently a junior at Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT. I am an active member of the National Society of High School Scholars, Science National Honors Society, School Newspaper Committee, College Vocals Group, and the Treasurer of my Junior Class. I am an AP student with a straight A average and currently within the top 6% percentile of my class. This school year I have made a goal to try out new opportunities, removed from my normal comfort zone, in order to help me reach beyond myself. Through the guidance of my teachers and counselors I have also taken opportunities to apply to multiple art competitions, state positions, and public speaking.
The reason for my post here on GoFundMe is as follows:
A highly academic event for a summer advocacy institute is being sponsored by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), which will be held in Washington, D.C. this coming June. Spending a week at Georgetown University, those who are accepted learn about social justice advocacy from lawyers, community activists, journalists, lobbyists and other specialists. Those fortunate to attend will learn skills with issue-focused campaigners as well as practice debates. Experience gained from this week long event can lead to more educational advances and opportunities. All high school juniors and seniors across the United States were open to apply, of which only 125 students will be chosen by ACLU to attend. I certainly applied myself.
The application process required that I submit an essay on what I believe to be the most important civil liberties or social justice issue we face today. I also needed to submit a personal recommendation from a school faculty member; my principal was very gracious to provide a reference letter on my behalf, which I am very grateful for.
I am excited to report that among only 125 pupils chosen nationwide, I have just received an acceptance letter which entitles me to attend!
However, I am now faced with a burden in order to finalize my response:
The application fee totals $2,100, which includes lodging, all the experiential learning activities, social events, and meals. There is an extra $300 for Amtrack round trip. The final application is due no later than March 1, 2016 with a minimum $1,000 deposit. The remaining $1,100 is due May 5, 2016.
Unfortunately we just learned that I will miss the full paid scholarship opportunity because our family income is just above the requirement for a family of our size.
As much as an honor it is that I have been selected among the applicants, I am now financially challenged to attend this one of a kind experience. I cannot imagine the incredible opportunity I would be missing out on if I were not to go. I wish to utilize all of my efforts towards making this trip work and I do not have plans on giving up. As a humble request, I am asking for help in continuing to move my education in a more positive and intellectual direction. If I were granted the chance to go, it would further my desire to pursue law, education and/or administration as a possible career choice. I would be so grateful for any help which I might receive to make this a reality! I thank any and all who would be interested to assist in advance, and pray a return blessing triple fold!
For those who are interested in viewing the program: https://www.aclu.org/feature/aclu-summer-institute
