From Foster Care to Howard: Fighting For My Future

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this, but I’m in crisis—and I don’t know where else to turn.

My name is Alexis, and I’m a junior at Howard University, double majoring in African Studies and Political Science, originally from San Francisco, California.

A few weeks ago, I logged into my Howard University portal and was blindsided by a $15,000 balance. I quickly discovered that a small scholarship hadn’t posted, so I contacted the organization right away and had $5,000 transferred into my student account to try to get ahead of the issue.

I returned to D.C. early to sort everything out in person. But before I could even meet with Financial Aid, I received two devastating updates:

1. I’ve been removed from my Resident Assistant position due to my financial hold and inability to register for classes. That role not only gave me housing, but also represented the stability I’ve worked so hard to build.

2. My Foreign Language Fellowship from the university has been rescinded due to federal budget cuts with the Act that passed Congress last week.

This news has shaken me to my core. Just this summer, I worked on Capitol Hill as a policy fellow with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. I authored a federal proposal to expand behavioral health access for foster youth to help others like me find permanency and success. Now, my own future feels uncertain—because of the same broken systems I’m fighting to change.

I’ve worked tirelessly to build stability in my life. After an unstable upbringing in foster care, I followed in the footsteps of my adoptive mother and began my journey at Howard—determined to prove that college is possible for students like me. Since then, I’ve represented Howard with pride: studying abroad, conducting research on behalf of the university, and mentoring others both in and out of the residence halls.

I have never stopped advocating for youth like me. And I don’t want to stop now.

I’m fundraising to cover my tuition and housing so I can register for classes, regain my RA position, and continue toward graduation. Any amount helps—and every share means the world.

I’m committed to finishing my education and continuing to uplift others. If you're able to support or share, it would mean everything to me.

Update:

Thanks to the incredible generosity and support I’ve received, I was able to raise enough to cover my outstanding balance and get registered for classes this semester! I’m currently in the process of appealing the removal of my Resident Assistant position, and in the meantime, I’m now working to gather funds to secure emergency housing for the school year.

I can’t express enough how grateful I am for every donation, share, and kind word that has come my way. Your support has made an enormous difference, and I truly wouldn’t be here without this community rallying around me. Thank you for continuing to stand with me on this journey!