Urgent: Ben's Tuition and Education at Risk

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am reaching out in support of my friend, Ben Agyemang, a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Memphis. Ben is not just a straight A student; he is someone who never stops smiling, even when it’s hard to find a reason why. He is someone who is full of hope and support for countless students as a Peer Mentor for the Office of First-Generation Students and the Herff College of Engineering. His dedication to uplifting others, especially those who face similar challenges, is something that has inspired me since I met him while I was applying to the UofM as an Engineering student.

Ben is a very driven, high achieving student and his academic prowess and potential are at risk due to some financial issues that are unforeseen. Ben is one of many Ghanaian students affected by a delay in tuition payments from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. As part of this scholarship, he was promised full tuition and housing. However, the GSS did not send his scholarship money for this past year and for next Fall, which has led to Ben being responsible for over $20,000 in tuition and housing fees and then responsible for his future semesters on campus as well. He is currently unable to register for upcoming Fall 2025 courses, which stalls his educational progress completely unless his back fees and Fall fees are paid in full or by installment by July 11, 2025. Ben risks having his classes dropped, which could significantly derail his academic and professional trajectory and impact his Visa status.

Ben came to the U.S. from Ghana with dreams of pursuing a career in Biomedical Engineering, believing he had secured a full scholarship that would cover his education. Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be quite different. He is now burdened with unexpected tuition fees and expenses from the past year, along with the financial demands of continuing his education.

To make matters more challenging, Ben has received an incredible internship opportunity with Globus Medical, a chance that could significantly enhance his career prospects. However, the unresolved issues with his tuition status may prevent him from participating in this internship, as it requires registration under Curricular Practical Training (CPT) tied to an academic course.

Despite these challenges, Ben remains resilient and is proactively seeking alternative funding sources, including scholarships and grants. However, the reality is that time is running short, and he needs our help to cover the tuition costs to secure his place in the upcoming semester and take full advantage of his internship opportunity.

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Ben in overcoming this financial hurdle. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in his life and help him continue his journey toward becoming a leader in biomedical engineering. From one Tiger to another, I want to help Ben reach his goals and support him like he has supported me anytime I had a question or needed help.

Ben’s commitment to his studies and his peers is unwavering. He has touched the lives of so many, and now it’s our turn to support him in his time of need. Providing Ben with financial support during this tough period would not only help with the continuity of his studies but also recognize and reward his determination, work ethic, and potential to contribute impactfully to his field and community. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Together, we can help Ben achieve his dreams and continue to inspire others along the way.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,

Rafael Rodriguez