I'm setting up this page on behalf of my son, Zack. Being 18 1/2 years old, I can't express to you what a wonderful young man he's become. Committed to school and graduating high school this year, putting himself out there in the big world, working hard, saving money, and setting aside time for fun in his young adult life. He's worked so hard through school making sure his grades are the best they can be, resulting in straight A's and remaining committed as an exemplar baseball player for 14 years. Zack was driven to attend Montana State University in which is was accepted but the lack of qualifying for financial assistance reared its ugly head. For anyone who has walked the path of continuing education, whether it be for their children or theirselves, you know what I mean when I say that there is a gap in financial aid for people who still live with their working parents, the child works themselves, household income (parents and student = unfair for student) doesn't qualify for anything but loans. This results in more debt than many people can't work themselves out of. Although he felt defeated at this point, he set out for his next goal and to our surprise he has set out to be a Lineman. He starts school in January 2025 to push through a 4 month course resulting in a potential job upon completion of the program. Along this journey he's obtaining his CDL to help build his pathway to the successful man he's going to become. Of course, all of this adds up. So far he has qualified for one grant through Adams County that will cover most of the CDL school. As for Lineman school, which is put together through Trinidad State College, he's still in the waiting period to find out if he qualifies for funds to help cover the $12,000 program fee. He's been accepted and enrolled in classes, so tying up the loose ends has proven to be quite stressful both financially for school and for housing. Although, this program is ran through Trinidad State, the classes and field work take place in Colorado Springs therefore housing is not provided. Being that he lives in the Denver area, commuting this distant, route, and during this winter time of the year is not an option. On a good traffic day it would be about a 3 hour drive round-trip 5 days a week. Unfortunately, through many hours of research and conversations he will have to foot the housing expense out of his pocket which will wipe out his savings from working so hard through high school and after graduation. We've found student housing in the Colorado Springs area, some apartment and room rental options and of course they all come with obstacles. So far the better option is student housing and at this point, after completing the application, we're waiting to see if something is available. Fingers crossed that this route comes through for him as it's the most cost effective and safest option thus far. Being Zack's Mom, I want to be able to support his passion with the least possible stress and to give him something I was not able to have myself. We are a family with two children under 18 still at home and in school so my funds as Zack's Mom is strained. I've took it upon myself to create this page for my son in hopes that I can earn some money to offset his housing cost and take some of the stress off of his shoulders. There is so much I'd like to give to my son, so much that I'm unable to, yet Zack continues to be patient and hardworking, continuing to reach for his goal and to love me that if there's one thing I want to give him is this. To those of you who read this far, thank you for your passion and thank you for not clicking through this request. Smile, each day is a new day.