We are truly excited about our two new scholarship recipients, Aniya Smith Kennedy and Alliyah Stone. The trait they share is a dogged ambition to get a college degree in education to make a difference in a young person’s life, and they both volunteer in their churches.

Alliyah Stone is a first-generation college student and is responsible for all of her student finances. She has worked full time at the same job for the past five years to support herself and fund college. After graduating TCC she hopes to transfer to Midwestern State University to complete a degree in education and teach elementary math. Alliyah says, “I want to make my parents proud and fulfill the things they didn’t get the opportunity to do.”

Aniya Smith Kennedy is also an education major who would like to eventually pursue a master’s degree in child psychology. Aniya is determined to finish her education after some initial setbacks. In her freshman year at Baylor she had medical issues that forced her to drop out. She is now picking up the pieces and is ready to start again. She graduated high school at age 16 and education and learning have always been important to her. Aniya is responsible for all of her student finances and this scholarship money is a lifeline to pursue her educational goals. She says, “Receiving this scholarship is a blessing to me, especially in a time of uncertainty! It feels amazing to know that I can still go to school to pursue my career.”

Emily Harding is our returning STEM Scholar. This is Emily’s third semester receiving our branch scholarship and it will continue in the spring. We are proud of Emily for maintaining her goal to complete her TCC associate degree with high grades. She will transfer to a university to pursue a career as a behavioral psychologist. Emily states, “I just want to thank you for giving me a chance to prove myself in the science field.”  Learn more about Emily here

Thank you to all branch members who support the AAUW Tarrant County Branch Scholarship Program.

–Pat Auping and BJ Hoskins, Co-Chairs, TCC College Scholarship Program