Alreona's College Fund

When I was growing up in foster care, stability was something that came and went in the blink of an eye. The only constant was change. Moving from home to home, being placed in different environments and families, different communities. However, the one thing that was always expected in each house was that we attend school. We had to get an education. School was my panic room, my sanctuary. I loved it. And that was the start for me. The start of MY life. My opportunity to live, to explore, discover, and develop a voice. My education was the start of me being able to face adversity.  Unlike the other areas in my life, my education was mine and mine alone. MY right. MY power. MY hope. It wouldn’t change, only evolve. Education meant no longer living in a state of crisis.  I remembered this as I continued to grow.


In high school, I attended Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville. I worked incredibly hard from my freshman to my senior year. I did everything I could to separate myself from my peers.  I woke up at 4:30 for three years straight to attend 6:30 drill practices, staying there from 8:00am to 9:00pm for open houses. I participated in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, City Corps Staff, debate team, GSA. I received honors such as National Honors Society, Cadet of the year, and Superintendent. My junior year, I poured myself in SAT Prep. With over 70+ hours of khan academy each month. I had no money at my disposal, so I learned to be resourceful and hunt for scholarship contests to enter or check out SAT practice books from the library. I spent a total of 24+ hours working on my personal essay, which won a $500 scholarship.  I received a 1010 on my SAT, graduated with a 3.7 unweighted GPA, and came in 11 of my class.


My hunger for education was insatiable. I applied to 15 schools and received acceptance to 12, such as University of San Francisco, St.Olaf, and North Illinois University. Although these are all great schools, I wanted more than anything else to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. And on February 28th, I found out that I got in. I received a significant amount of scholarships from the school and the maximum Map and Pell grant, but unfortunately this isn't the end of my financial troubles. I am essentially too poor to attend. 


This money will help provide transportation to and from campus on move in day, dorm supplies and essentials, school supplies and a backpack, hygienic products, cover book cost and fees.   

Thank you so much for your time, support and donations.  Thank you to everyone who’s donated so far!!