Page 18 - JSF Annual 2024 final

Elevation Scholars
Equipping Students to Dream (and Succeed) Big
First-generation college graduate Edna Ulysse knew she was made for more—she just needed the resources to make things
happen.
Enter Elevation Scholars, an organization that prepares high-achieving students from low- income families in Central Florida for acceptance into top colleges.
Ulysse, who is Haitian-American, learned about Elevation Scholars from her high school counselor in Pine Hills, Florida.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) student didn’t understand all of her career options. She thought becoming a medical professional was the only way to help others.
Through Elevation Scholars, Ulysse learned about different career paths, traveled to college campuses, and met successful Black professionals. These experiences helped her better understand her options.
“I knew I wanted to pursue public policy and law. Having those exposures made me more confident in making it a reality,” reflects Ulysse. “When they look like me and come from [places] I do, it’s more encouraging.”
She recalls being able to focus on classes and friendships during her first year at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, since Elevation Scholars covered critical expenses like moving costs. JSF’s matching grant helps support the Elevation Scholars college scholarship program.
“Smart, savvy, and a born leader, [Edna] knows where she wants to go,” states the Elevation Scholars website. “She exhibits an intense desire to learn new things and adventurously enjoys all she does.”
Ulysse also credits her success to Elevation Scholars’ mentorship services, especially as she navigated her first year and doubted whether she belonged at Wake Forest.
“First, as a Black woman on a predominantly white campus... Coming from a low socioeconomic status
[also] made it more difficult for me,” she reflects.
But a conversation reassured her that she deserved to be there.
“After Scott Lee and Aminah Harris tapped into my confidence, things took off; something clicked,” she says.
Ulysse quickly got involved on campus. As a freshman, she traveled with the Wake Forest University Office of Civic and Community Engagement to Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues in higher education and meet delegates.
In her last two years, she interned with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and spent a semester in D.C. as a legislative intern. She graduated in 2022 with a degree in political science and government. Now, Ulysse works in D.C. as a legislative aide, drafting bills and resolutions on policy issues such as housing and public safety. Her advice to others with similar stories? Seize all opportunities.
“Lean into what’s available to you,” she says. “I am well beyond college, but having [Elevation Scholars] as a guide is so valuable. Believe you are worthy of those opportunities.”
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