For the Love of Nyilah's Education

As a Black-identifying young woman, I never thought it was possible to attend a top-tier institution. However, in May of 2022, I was accepted into 20+ institutions, including New York University College of Arts and Sciences, through the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP). My name is Nyilah (Ny-luh); I am a part of the 200 students who were admitted through the HEOP program. Despite the university's claims of having 66% of the admitted students were those of color, these are not exact statistics of how many African Americans were admitted to the university. I am transferring to the New York University’s School of Social Work, as I am an aspiring counselor to the incarcerated and recently incarcerated population, with a specialization in creative arts therapy. I understand that it is a privilege for me to attend this school, and I would like to maintain this opportunity with your help.

Reading over my financial aid package with my high school counselor, we concluded that my attendance would be a full ride. However, this was not the case as I have been enrolled at New York University for my freshman year and paid more than $3,000 due to “gaps” in my financial aid. For this upcoming academic year, I have been notified that both my TAP and Pell Grants have decreased.

I am unable to consistently pay this amount, even if it increases, given that my family has experienced a loss of income, and much of this income is allocated to the care of my mother, who has had two surgeries within the past two years. During the academic year, and now, I am working a part-time job to help cover my tuition costs. However, I am afraid that this may not be enough to fund my education for the rest of my years at New York University. I am asking if you could please donate to help cover my tuition costs. I am attending this institution to inspire others like me that being enrolled within a top-tier institution, especially graduating from one, is a possible reality.