Help Sapphire Stay in School

Hi, My name is Sapphire Tham. I'm a 19 year old transgender youth fleeing from my unsupportive and emotionally abusive parents. Right now, I'm working towards the necessary steps to procure independence both financially away from my parents and possibly continuing my education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

I am currently a rising sophomore at UMASS studying biomedical engineering and computer science. I was just admitted into the honors college.

I am working on first gaining independence in the eyes of the school to get financial aid to drastically cut the price of tuition, as well as giving me the ability to apply for loans. After which I need to apply for a Massachusetts residency to further cut the costs of tuition.

All the funds will go towards paying for my tuition if the goal is reached. If the goal is not reached, the funds will go towards paying for rent as I take a gap year in order to save up to pay for college as well as working with financial aid to increase my aid package.