My Global Citizen Year

My name is Miniya Ali and I'm a high school senior in Huntsville, Alabama. After I graduate, I will pursue undergraduate studies in agriculture and industrial distribution. However, instead of going straight to college, I will be taking a bridge year to do an apprenticeship abroad.  I have been invited to be a fellow in the prestigious Global Citizen Year Program . I will be a member of the 2017-2018 cohort and I am proud to be the first student from the state of Alabama to participate in the program! It is an honor to represent my state as I embark on this exciting new adventure. I will be departing for my host country of Senegal, West Africa in September 2017 and returning in April 2018 after completing an 8-month apprenticeship there.  Being assigned to Senegal as my host country has a very special meaning to me which I describe in depth on my website.

I realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I really need your support. Global Citizen Year has given me a generous scholarship  to participate in the program but I am still in need of additional funds totaling $12,500.

This amount is needed to offset travel expenses, and the cost of remaining tuition and fees. The scholarship that I was awarded was both merit- and need-based; based on my family's household size and income. I have a goal to raise the total amount by December 2017.  I live at home with my mom and sibling and coming from a single-parent home raising this amount can be a challenge. However, I'm determined to do my part and with your help, I know it is possible.  I am set to graduate in May of this year, and for family a friends who are considering a graduation gift, please know that a donation to my campaign is one of the best gifts I could ever wish for.  Any amount that you can donate to my fundraising campaign for this trip will be put to good use and would be much appreciated. 

My Website

My maternal ancestor was from Senegal and likely a member of the Balanta ethnic group. She was brought to the Americas against her will during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In a some ways, my return to Senegal represents her return to her homeland and it is very fulfilling to think that I will be the first in my family to make this voyage."  To read more about my story, please visit my website . There I share more information about the trip and describe my ancestral ties to Senegal and why for me, this trip has significant meaning.


For each person who makes a donation, if you include your name and mailing address, upon my return from Senegal, I will bring back a small gift for you as a token of my gratitude and appreciation.   

Thank you so much for reading my story and for your consideration. 

Sincerely,
Miniya