Hi, my name is Jackson Horvath, and I’m a high school senior who has been fortunate enough to be accepted into several highly selective college acting programs.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to tell stories. Growing up on the autism spectrum, I've had struggles communicating with others. That started to change when I was cast in my first play in 5th grade. For the first time, I had a creative outlet where I felt understood. Acting gave me a voice, confidence, and it has been my passion ever since.

Over the past four years, I’ve worked incredibly hard to turn that passion into a future. I’ve taken 10 AP classes, earned a 4.25 weighted GPA, held leadership roles in school organizations, participated in community service, and balanced a part-time job as an actor at kids' birthday parties alongside my academics and theater work. I try to stay prolific in many forms of art as well by drawing, writing songs with my bass, and making animations.

I’m so grateful to have been accepted into multiple competitive acting programs. However, despite receiving some merit aid, the cost of attending these programs remains far beyond what my family can afford.

My parents are both public service workers, a high school teacher and a public library employee, who have always prioritized education. They have worked incredibly hard, even taking on additional jobs, to support our family. However, with rising costs, limited borrowing options, and retirement approaching, taking on the full cost of a private acting program is simply not financially possible.

Right now, I am facing a difficult reality: committing to a college by May 1st. My decision will ultimately depend on what is financially possible.

While the total cost of attendance is significantly higher, our goal is to raise $25,000 to help close the gap for the first year and make attending one of these programs a reality. This support would go directly toward tuition, housing, and essential educational expenses. It could make the difference in where I am able to enroll. If donations exceed this amount, they would go towards next year's tuition.

Every contribution, no matter the size, truly helps. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Your support would help me take the next step in a journey that has already changed my life.

—Jackson