Samantha, 25 years old

Wish submitted by:

After growing up in the foster care system, Samantha has dedicated her career to advocating for systemic change and empowering young people with lived experiences. Through her work in policy advocacy and direct service, she has witnessed firsthand the gaps in mental health care and the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These experiences have fueled her passion for clinical social work, leading her to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Oklahoma. Her goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), specializing in evidence-based therapies to provide trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. This scholarship would support her academic journey and help her advance her lifelong mission of making mental health services more accessible. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, staying active, and continuously developing new skills.

Samantha is requesting tuition for her first year of graduate school, amounting to $11,250. This will cover the expenses of her first two semesters, with nine credit hours each semester, as she pursues full-time studies. This scholarship represents an investment in Samantha's future and her potential to create meaningful change in my community without the ongoing financial burden of higher education.