Olga Salama will be beginning her studies at Eastern Mennonite University this Fall as a graduate of Charlottesville High School. She is one of nine siblings and the daughter of immigrant parents from the East African country of Burundi. Olga started learning English as a ninth grader at CHS and has been committed to breaking barriers in order to make a difference. 

At EMU, she plans to major in Medical Sciences and Global Studies, inspired by her strong commitment to serving others and her selfless love of community. With this education, she plans to give back both locally and globally with God guiding her path. She walks boldly in faith believing that nothing is impossible when you love what you do, pray for it, and work hard.

Faduma Talaso is a graduate of Charlottesville High School and will be continuing her education at George Mason University in the Fall. She is the oldest of six siblings and a proud daughter of Somali immigrant parents who came to the U.S. nearly 20 years ago. This background has inspired her to pursue a career in social work where she can further her passions for responsibility, empathy and community.

She plans to use her post-secondary education "to learn how to better support students emotionally, socially, and academically. I want them to always remember they have someone they can count on and feel supported...I hope to raise awareness in my community and make sure that children's mental and emotional well-being is treated as a priority."

Today, education is under attack in ways unseen since the fallout from Brown vs. Board of Education. Now, more than ever, I believe the pursuit of education and knowledge ought to be protected and uplifted in our communities. "Knowledge is power!"

Two years ago, I started a scholarship in order to give back to my community and pay FORWARD all of the generosity and investment so many poured into me. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the time, energy, and support in scholarships and mentorship.

I’m grateful today to be able to announce the third annual FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship! So far we’ve been able to support 6 students in their matriculation to post-secondary education and I’m excited to continue to pour into the next generation one award at a time.

A personal thank you to the anonymous donors that have supported the scholarship awards thus far! I’m grateful for your belief in me to steward your donations, and every gift is a building block to a better tomorrow.

Please share this page and the documents below with anyone who might be interested! 

For more information, please check out the flyer and application below! 

The 2025 Application is now CLOSED.

Edinna is a first-generation American of parents who emigrated from Tanzania and Nigeria. She recently graduated from Sonoma State with a BS in Biology and a BA in Women’s Gender Studies/Sexuality. The co-founder of the community organization Grace Period, a community organization dedicated to supporting unhoused and marginalized individuals in the Bay Area, she is committed to supporting those in her community through communal action.

She will pursue her masters in Global Health Studies this fall at UCSF, in San Francisco.  From her experiences thus far, she seeks to continue centering the "need for communities to have peace of living without fear and the joy of loving–to better understand drivers amongst key health challenges transnationally."

Leslie is beginning her post-secondary education at PVCC in Albermarle County, VA. She spent the majority of her childhood in Mexico until her matriculation to high school. Upon moving to the US, as a native Spanish speaker living away from family, she had to overcome numerous language, cultural, and relational challenges in her educational journey.

As a first-generation college student, Leslie is committed to furthering her education to better her future and the community around her. She plans to major in Global Studies so that she can learn more about the different regions and cultures of the world. In her own words, "My hope is that I can advocate for people around the world that are in need of support."

Mr. Deon M. Garner, Sr. is the principal of Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Garner's career in education began in February, 2002, in which he has taught Spanish and coached a very successful speech and debate team for more than 10 years.

He is committed to furthering his education in his pursuit of a Master of Divinity from Hampton University. As a first-generation college graduate every step of the way from Morehouse College in 1999, Mr. Garner has been committed to the transformational power of education for over 25 years.  He attributes his success to strong faith, love for family, and empathy for just about every person he meets.

Thank you to everyone that supported the inaugural FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship! Every like, repost, share, and forward to a loved one, colleague, or mentee helped three highly qualified students receive a scholarship award to support their matriculation into higher education!

I'm grateful to be able to present the second annual FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship this year to three more brilliant students beginning their next phase of studies. Please share this page and the documents below with anyone who might be interested! 

For more information, please check out the flyer and application below! 

UPDATE: Due to a generous donation from supporters of the FORWARD: First-Generation Scholarship, this year's scholarship award will now be $1,000 for each of the three selected recipients!!!

The 2024 Application is now CLOSED.

As a high school senior, I spent so much time in the post office, I got to know the postal workers on a first name basis. 

Not for a love of the USPS, but because I applied to almost every applicable scholarship I could find. And not for want of recognition or selfish ambition, but because I knew that the costs of a college education were more than I, or my family, could afford. 

Eight years later, I reflect on the many individuals and organizations that entrusted me with a duty: pay it forward. I intend to do just that.

With that aim in mind, I’m starting a scholarship dedicated to first-generation students! There is a great power in education and I hope to do my part towards uplifting the generations to follow as we all collectively climb.  

For more information, please check out the flyer and application below! Please share with anyone who might be interested! 

The 2023 Application is now closed.