Help Me Stay in College and Finish What I Started

Hi, my name is Jeyva and I'm reaching out with something that’s not easy to ask—but it’s real, and it matters.

I am pursuing my college degree with everything I’ve got. I am now entering my junior year as a first-generation full-time student at Ohio University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science, with a minor in Aviation Management and Business.

Obtaining a college education isn’t just a dream for me. It is a path to my stability, growth, and the kind of life I’ve always worked toward. But right now, I’m facing a serious financial shortfall that could force me to have pause or drop out altogether. Neither is a decision I want to face or have to make.

I've worked really hard to get where I am today. I graduated high school in 2023 with honors, a cosmetology license and 8 hours of college credit. I am currently working full-time as a hairstylist and nail technician at a salon in my college town. Beginning with my freshman year, I have juggled employment responsibilities, studied late into the night to maintain my 3.6 GPA, been active in Alpha Eta Rho Fraternity (the only aviation fraternity worldwide), the Women in Aviation Organization, and pushed through innumerable obstacles and challenges because I believe in what this degree will mean—not just for me and my future career, but for my family, and my ability to give back to my community.

Unfortunately, tuition and aviation course expenses are more than I can manage on my own right now. I have applied to and been awarded scholarships, grants, financial aid, received aid from my family, and taken on as many work hours as I can handle without sacrificing my education—but it is not enough. My ability to continue my education has been made even more difficult with the elimination of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program that previously opened the door and made it possible for me to be here.

This is where and why I need community support. While I have been able to secure $6,000 of my Summer tuition fees, I still need the balance of $8,200 that must be paid by August 18, 2025 if I am to continue my studies. Any amount you donate will go directly toward my tuition, books, and aviation course fees. Your support is not only critical to helping me stay in school—you will be helping me to keep on believing that I can one day join the less than 1% of African-American female pilots who make up the Aviation industry.

If you’re unable to donate at this time, I ask for your support in these equally important ways:

* Share this link with your friends & networks.

* Post this link on your social media.

* Contribute a monthly donation ($5-$50 or more) that will help sustain my ability to meet the $14K-$18 per trimester financial obligation necessary for me to complete my program.

Thank you so much for reading this difficult ask, for believing in students like me and for your contribution(s).

With gratitude,

Jevya Gaines