Help Fraoli Attend Syracuse University Summer Program

My long-time friend Feven lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with her family. Her 16-year-old daughter Fraoli, who is hoping to attend college in the US, has been admitted to Syracuse University’s Summer College on Campus program and has registered for two courses: Team and Leadership Academy and IT Girls: Empowering Women in Technology. I believe this three-week summer residential pre-college experience could make a big difference in setting her up for success in applying to US colleges and thriving as a US college student.

The university has awarded Fraoli two scholarships toward this program, and family and friends have made further contributions, but she still needs $1,500 in order to attend. Times have been tough for the family lately, with both Feven and her husband unable to work for periods of time in the past few years, but Feven is currently working very long days in order to pay for Fraoli’s plane ticket. We just need to raise $1,500 more by May 28 to make sure all of Fraoli’s and Feven’s hard work pays off. If we are unable to raise the necessary funds to send Fraoli to Syracuse University this summer, I will ask GoFundMe to refund all donors. If we are successful, I will pay the remainder of Fraoli's tuition and fees myself.

It would mean a lot to me to be able to support Fraoli in taking this big step in her educational journey. First, I owe so much to Feven. The success of my two January Term courses to Ethiopia, in 2012 and 2014, was largely due to Feven’s enormous efforts and invaluable partnership. Two groups of Saint Mary’s College of California undergraduates have her to thank for transformative experiences. I also greatly admire Feven’s long record of leadership in organizations and programs that provide life-changing opportunities for Ethiopian women. Second, I had the pleasure of meeting Fraoli two years ago and was impressed by her maturity. I would be honored to be able to help her achieve her goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Rebecca Jabbour

Professor of Biology

Saint Mary's College of California