The Dream Big Education Fund

MY STORY

My name is Jennifer Ingham (formerly, Jennifer Merrill, pictured far left) and I’m a proud Glendale High School alumna, class of 2005. Although I now live and work on the opposite side of the country, I haven’t forgotten the community I called home for many years.

I grew up in a single-parent household surviving on an annual income below the poverty line. For nearly all of my high school career, we lived in affordable housing near the Glendale High School campus and I received reduced-price lunch over the four years I was a student there. Despite navigating many obstacles as a teenager, the supportive school environment and the caring adults I connected with, like Ms. Laurie Barden and Ms. Jennifer Rice, both who are still educators within the Glendale Union High School District, made all the difference in the future I envisioned for myself. They saw my potential and encouraged me to invest in my education and dream big to achieve the goals I set forth for myself. 

I graduated high school with an academic scholarship to Northern Arizona University, my alma mater, which limited the cost of attendance and made college accessible for me and my family. After completing undergrad and getting my degree, I moved to New England and continue to invest in my local community as a mentor and youth advocate. 

WHY I'M FUNDRAISING

My personal values and experiences have led me to want to give back and support high-need students in a meaningful way through this education fund. In speaking with Glendale High School administration, I've learned that many students enrolled there still face financial barriers, like I did, on their path to college and career. Even small things like application fees, can be something that holds a graduate back from fully pursuing their continued education goals.  Even though I’m still building my career as a young professional, I want to show others it doesn’t take much to make a big impact. I am fundraising $2,500 for this education fund and will match donations with my own personal gift of $500 a year over five years.

Please help me give back and support the next generation of Glendale High School leaders! $5, $10 or $25-any amount helps. Any surplus raised will go into a separate fund for SAT/ACT prep courses, accessible by students who demonstrate financial need. If you would prefer to send your contribution as a check, please send directly to: Justin Tarver, Principal, c/o The Dream Big Education Fund, Glendale High School, 6216 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. *All donors will receive a personal, handwritten card from me, thanking them for their contribution.

THE AWARD

$500 per year will be awarded to one rising senior on-track to graduate, who has demonstrated financial need, to help defray costs they may face as they pursue their dreams post-high school. Funds could be used, but are not limited to the following purposes: 

·      Accredited college or post-high school training program/technical school application fees (either in state or out-of-state)

·      ACT/SAT test prep courses or test fees

·      Travel/transportation costs for school visits/program interviews

·      Dual enrollment or college prep class/material fees

·      Professional dress for education related/student employment interviews

·      Miscellaneous supplies including, but not limited to, books, electronics, backpacks, etc.