My name is Quincy Wise, and I'm a 24-year-old from New York, NY, smack-bad in Harlem. As a queer African-American man aspiring to be a psychologist, I am driven by a passion for promoting mental health equity and inclusion within marginalized communities.

I am raising funds to cover the costs associated with my final semester of graduate school, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses. However, reaching the finish line, which is my MSW degree, has become financially challenging. The past few years have been an unimaginable struggle for my family. In 2021, tragedy struck when a shooting severely injured one of my older brothers and took the life of my older sister. We are still reeling from this horrific event when my eldest brother passed away just this past January 2024.

I stay with my elderly parents who are unable to work full-time due to their advanced age and disabilities, thus this financial burden has become overwhelming.

Tuition and Fees: $29,397

Tuition: $28,000

Health and Related Service fee: $572.00

Instructional Technology Fee: $250.00

Student Activity Fee: $75.00

Graduation Fees: $50.00

Living Expenses: $1,500.00

Practicum Transportation: $750.00

Professional Attire: $750.00

Supplies and Equipment: $3,000.00

Books and Readings: $500

Course Materials: $500

Technology and Software: $2000

Total: $40,544.00

Achieving MSW, has become an uphill battle. The past few years have brought unimaginable hardship. In 2021, tragedy struck twice. A shooting left one brother critically injured and another stolen from us. This January, we lost my eldest brother as well.

These losses compounded existing challenges. In 2022, my eldest sister, who would have been our rock, suffered nerve damage from a near-fatal assault. My parents, already dealing with their own health issues, now face the immense burden of caring for her while managing their own well-being. The medical bills are staggering, and with their ability to work limited, the financial strain is overwhelming.

Despite these circumstances, I still find the determination to build a brighter future burns ever stronger.

Since graduating high school in 2017 with the Susan Ewens Memorial Fund Scholarship, I've dedicated myself to service. I co-founded the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) Youth Advisory Council and served on their community board. I participated in a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences panel on women's health disparities. After graduating with recognition from City College's SEEK Program, I interned as a social worker and received a City Council Citation. My commitment extends to academic tutoring, mentoring, research, and even earning the title of "Most Spirited Cabin" at New York Foundling's Camp Felix Pride.

My parents always placed high importance on education, instilling the value of knowledge, innovation, and discovery in me as far as I can remember. From dreams of achieving the highest of academic accolades to having those dreams doust here, being able to actualize and live those dreams has been a feeling like no other for me and my family. My life, my happiness began in with higher education.

By investing in my education, you're not just helping me – you're empowering a future advocate for marginalized communities. With your support, I can graduate and embark on this exciting journey, fulfilling my academic dreams and becoming the mental health champion I dreamt of being.

If anything, thank you for at least giving my story a read!