Both of them did everything right. Samari graduated with a 4.3 GPA, top 10% of her class, scored a 31 on the ACT (35 in English and Literature), and founded her school’s PenPal Club, connecting students across the district through letter writing. She was in Student Council for three years, served as Junior Class President, and spent countless hours tutoring and volunteering. Samuel graduated with a 3.96 GPA, was named Student of the Year in his Behavioral Health program, became CTSO President, and earned certifications as a Mental & Social Health Technician and Psychological First Aid Provider — all while mentoring underclassmen and serving on Student Council and his city’s Youth Council.

Both twins were accepted into Barrett, The Honors College — Samari to study history, Samuel to study positive psychology. Both plan to double major and pursue accelerated master’s programs.

But being accepted isn’t the same as being able to go. They come from a low-income household; their father has been on disability since 2001 due to several chronic health conditions, and their mother is managing the family’s finances and her own health alone. Even with scholarships cutting their tuition significantly, the cost of sending two students to college at once is roughly $144,000 over four years — far more than their family can cover.

If 8,000 people gave just $5 each, it would cover their entire first year of tuition and fees. That’s the cost of a coffee, shared with two kids who have worked incredibly hard for this chance.

Please consider donating and sharing this with someone you know. Every bit helps get them closer to the future they’ve earned.