I’m raising funds to help a student I’ve mentored through high school and now college finish his degree.

Four years ago, I began volunteering as an academic tutor with Philadelphia City Rowing, an organization that helps students from Philadelphia public schools pursue rowing and excel in school. It’s a mission that means a lot to me, given the limited access to resources and opportunities many students in the city face.

Through this program, I met a remarkable student who has worked tirelessly to reach his junior year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He has balanced coursework, campus jobs, and volunteer work while persevering through significant personal and financial challenges. He is majoring in business and hopes to use his education to build a career that gives back to his Philadelphia community.

Now, because of recent changes in financial aid, paying for his final three semesters has become a major obstacle. Rather than let all of his hard work go to waste, I am reaching out to the community to help him finish what he started.

Our goal is to raise $5,000, which will cover the unmet cost of attendance for one semester, directly supporting his tuition, housing, and basic living expenses. If we exceed that amount, additional funds will first go toward his remaining semesters, and any extra support down the line could help him pursue opportunities like studying abroad.

We’ll also be hosting a fundraising event with cocktails, apps, and live music on Thursday, November 13, to bring together friends, supporters, and community members. If you’d like more information about the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether or not you’re able to attend, any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for supporting a young Philadelphian who continues to work hard for his education. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about his story, please don’t hesitate to reach out!