Leslie joined our Scholars program in 2022 and has navigated nine foster care placements while never losing sight of her goals. Alongside school, she worked part-time for over a year to save for a car, and when an unexpected expense got in the way, United Friends was able to step in and remove that barrier.
She …
Kiera joined our Scholars program in 2019 and initially struggled with communication, engagement, and motivation in school. She often kept to herself and found it difficult to ask for help.
When she started college, Kiera realized she needed a laptop to succeed academically. Reaching out for support became a turning point. With the tools she needed …
Karla joined the United Friends’ Scholars program in 2024 with a clear goal in mind: earning her driver’s license.
As she worked toward that goal, her counselor helped identify areas where additional support could make a difference. Through that guidance, Karla was connected to a local driving school, and United Friends provided funding for behind-the-wheel instruction.
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From doubting college to earning acceptance letters, meet Austin!
Austin joined our Scholars program in 2019, and once he learned college could actually be possible for him, everything changed. He started researching schools, asking questions, and building a plan to apply.
When he hit a tough moment academically, tutoring support through United Friends helped him stay on …
Tiona’s journey reminds us that perseverance makes all the difference. 💙
Tiona joined United Friends’ Scholars program in July 2022, and her senior year tested her resilience. A midyear move meant leaving behind a school community she had built for years and plans to try out for basketball.
Transportation challenges began impacting her grades and morale, but …
Justin joined United Friends’ Scholars program in 2019 while managing learning challenges and mental health struggles.
Through determination and the right support, he stayed focused on graduating from high school and building a better future.
After attending our Career Day, Justin discovered a new motivation to pursue a career in business. His dream is to give …
Facing fears, finding confidence. Meet Stephanie. 🧗♀️
Stephanie joined our Scholars program in Fall 2020. Through family transitions, emotional challenges, and anxiety, she’s remained committed to showing up for herself and exploring who she wants to become.
With support from her United Friends counselor, Stephanie recently overcame her fear of heights at a rock-climbing gym. Step by …
From academic struggle to college success, meet Jocelyn! 🎓🌟
Jocelyn joined our Scholars program in 2018 with big dreams, but struggled with confidence in school. Through our college counselors, consistency, and her own determination, she began showing up for herself in every way.
Now, she’s thriving as a college student at @lacitycollege and building a future grounded …
Cheyenne joined our Scholars program in 2018 while attending LA Southwest College (@lasccougars). Despite major health challenges, full-time work, and parenting two children, she never lost sight of her academic goals.
She transferred to @csudominguezhills, took extra classes, and graduated early with a BA in Psychology. Now, she’s preparing to start her Master’s in Social Work …
Harrison joined our Scholars program in middle school and quickly showed his drive to succeed. During high school, he fell behind in credits. He enrolled in a recovery program and worked hard to graduate on time.
Now in college studying Arts with a focus on Photography, Alex balances a two-hour commute, a work study job, and …