Alvin's Army for Education

Alvin and his family moved from the Marshall Islands  to the United States in 2006.  They landed in Springdale, Arkansas, which has a largest population of Marshall Islanders outside of the Marshall Islands.  At that time he was in first grade.  Alvin was an English Language Learner, but that did not define him.  He had a strong desire to learn as well.  During his time in elementary school he served on the Stomp Team, drumline and even won state and national level recognition in the area of choreography in the PTA Reflections Contest.  As part of his recognition, he was able to travel to the state capital to meet Governor Beebe.  

Over the Christmas Holidays of his 5th grade year he became very sick and was soon after diagnosed with cancer.  His elementary school, school district and community rallied around him through Alvin's Army.  On his 15th birthday he was given the best gift ... he was told he was cancer free!  Alvin has a very strong faith and gives all glory to God.  In an interview at this time Alvin shared that his experiences gave him a desire to enter the medical profession in the future.

Alvin continued to attend Springdale Public Schools (Lee Elementary, Helen Tyson Middle School, JOK Middle School, George Junior High School, and Springdale High School).  He continued to use his musical talents to serve others (see the video below for his music video called Fly Away).  After graduating High School in 2018.   Alvin began looking for work so he could help support his family with bills.  He was hired as a Parent Liaison for Jones and Sonora Elementary.

During the fall semester Alvin received a contact from Blue Cliff College in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  This was a tremendous opportunity to fulfill his dream of entering the medical field as a medial assistant.  After passing the exams for admission he found out that he qualified for a Pell Grant, but because he was not a U.S. Citizen he could not qualify for any other federal funding.  To make sure I had the correct information I contacted Blue Cliff College.  Here is a statement from them about how/what Alvin qualifies for regarding funding for his post-graduate education:

"Alvin Hiram is a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Republic of the Marshall Islands along with the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau are collectively known as the "Freely Associated States" meaning these citizens are non immigrants when admitted under the terms of those nations' respective Compacts of Free Association with the United States. They are not citizens or nationals of the United States. Because of their status, a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands will only have the opportunity to apply for Federal Pell Grants but not Federal Student Loans. Because Alvin is not eligible for the Federal Student Loans, he will have to pay the remainder of tuition out of pocket monthly. "   - Stephen Moses, Blue Cliff College, Director of Admissions.

Alvin does not have the funding for the additional out of pocket tuition to fulfill this dream.  He still lives at home with his family, but due to his father's back injury, he is helping pay most of the bills:  food, rent and other unexpected needs.  In order to get back and forth to work Alvin purchased a car, which he also shares with his parents.  He makes his car payments as well as insurance.  

I would love to see Alvin's Army reunite to help Alvin meet the financial goal needed to begin classes on January 7th.   This would not only help him achieve his dreams and help his family, but he will also be able to serve our community in a field that he brings a perspective that most don't have.  

Whether you were part of the original Alvin's Army or want to enlist now please share and consider giving.  Alvin was diagnosed with cancer over the holidays when he was in elementary school.  I hope that we can give him the gift of learning/education this holiday.

Thank you for your consideration!