First-Gen Student Fighting to Stay at Howard

My name is Brandon Hawkins, and I’m an upcoming sophomore at Howard University, proudly majoring in Chemical Engineering. I’m originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I hold a very personal and powerful mission: to be the first Black man in my family to graduate from college and create a new legacy for future generations.

My journey at Howard has been nothing short of transformative. In just my first year, I committed myself not only to academic excellence but also to becoming a leader in service and community involvement. I earned a 4.0 GPA as an academic scholar, proving my dedication to success in a challenging STEM major. Beyond the classroom, I joined a stroll team, participated in Alternative Spring Break, and worked alongside advocacy groups focused on uplifting youth voices here in Washington, D.C.

Through all of this, I’ve held close the vision of breaking the cycle that has held my family back for generations. I want to be a role model, not just for my family, but for every young person watching and waiting to see what’s possible when you push past your circumstances.

However, despite my academic achievements and unwavering passion, I face serious financial barriers that are threatening my ability to return to Howard and continue pursuing my degree. While I’ve been working hard and making payments where I can, I still have a financial hold on my account that affects not only my class registration but also my housing for the upcoming school year.

I’m humbly asking for any support, donation, or share that could help me stay on track with my education and continue breaking these generational barriers. No amount is too small—every contribution gets me one step closer to my goal.

Thank you for believing in my journey. Your support means the world to me and my family.

With gratitude,

Brandon Hawkins