My name is Essence, and I am reaching out because I need help to continue my education. School has never been easy for me, but I have always pushed forward because I believe in the future I’m working toward. I am currently a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and I am committed to becoming a licensed clinical social worker to support children and families in crisis. Right now, I am facing a situation that puts my education at risk. I am at the point where I may have to drop out—not because of my grades or my effort, but because I cannot afford my tuition for the upcoming Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 terms. I have exhausted every option available to me: financial aid, scholarships, stipends, and personal resources. I have always tried to make things work on my own, but this time, I truly have nowhere else to turn. The amount I am raising is based directly on the tuition and fees required for the CSUN MSW program through Tseng College. As a self-support program, the MSW tuition is significantly higher than regular state-supported programs, and it must be paid out-of-pocket each term. For Summer 2026 and Fall 2026, my costs include:

Per-unit tuition for the MSW program (self-support rate)

Mandatory campus fees

Course materials and required online learning tools

Transportation and technology costs are needed to participate in online classes and fieldwork.

These are not optional expenses—they are required for me to stay enrolled and continue progressing through the program. Without covering these costs, I will be automatically dropped from my courses and unable to continue. This support will allow me to:

Stay enrolled in the MSW program without interruption.n

Continue completing my fieldwork hours, which are required for graduation.

Focus on my studies while I search for stable employment.t

Stay on track to graduate and become financially independent.

Avoid losing my spot in the cohort, which would set me back an entire year.r

Being able to continue my education without the constant fear of being dropped from my classes would mean everything to me. I am working hard to build a future where I can give back to my community, advocate for families, and create change within the systems that shaped my own life. I need help getting through this moment so I can reach that future.

I am asking for support because I have run out of options, but I have not run out of determination. Any amount—no matter how small—would make a real difference and help me stay on the path I’ve worked so hard to be on. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting me on this journey.

The funds go directly towards my tuition and fees; I will gladly show proof if requested.