My name is Courtney Nero, a 24-year-old multigenerational Black New Orleanian, born and raised in the city that shaped me. I come from a home filled with artists, creatives, and dreamers, where imagination, resilience, and self-expression were not just encouraged, they were a way of life. That foundation taught me to think boldly, explore freely, and believe that my path could be both unique and impactful.

After graduating from The Willow School, formerly known as Lusher Charter School, in 2020 during the peak of COVID, I decided that traditional school wasn’t the right path for me at the time. Instead, I spent four years working, exploring, and discovering what I’m passionate about, and in doing so, I found my purpose.

During that time, I developed a deep passion for advocating for women in the outdoors and in STEM spaces. I founded Camp Cimo, a program dedicated to getting women into the outdoors through weekend sleepaway camps and community events where they can build skills, confidence, and community. Camp Cimo reflects my belief that everyone deserves access to spaces where they can grow, lead, and belong.

At 22, I made the decision to return to school to pursue another lifelong passion, space science. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by everything under the sun and beyond. After two years of hard work and dedication at Delgado Community College, I am incredibly proud and honored to share that I have been accepted to The Ohio State University as an Astrophysics and Astronomy major.

Being accepted into The Ohio State University is a major milestone for me. This opportunity represents perseverance, courage, and the power of believing in yourself even when the path isn’t traditional. I am stepping into this next chapter with determination, curiosity, and the desire to open doors for others along the way.

As I transition into this exciting new phase of life, I am asking for your support. The estimated annual cost for tuition, housing, and food is $57,675. My goal is to attend school debt-free, allowing me to fully focus on my education, research, and continuing to build pathways for women in STEM and the outdoors.

My first fundraising goal is $10,000, which will help cover initial tuition costs, housing deposits, and essential transition expenses as I prepare to move and begin this new chapter at Ohio State. From there, I will continue working toward my larger goal of attending school without the burden of student debt.

This journey is bigger than me, it's about representation, possibility, and showing that New Orleans talent belongs everywhere, including in astrophysics and space science.

Every donation, share, and word of encouragement brings me one step closer to the stars. Thank you for believing in me and supporting this journey.