Page 14 - 2025 April Report

Elevation Scholars (2)
It was a wonderful experience meeting with each student to interview them and then afterwards meet with their parents. For most of the students, the alignment of their sense of purpose and goals was evident. In the rare occasion where it was not evident, it was clear that the student will benefit from a program such as Elevation Scholars to encourage and guide. What was also very clear is the fact that many of these students can be overlooked if not well guided in completing the college applications. The work of the Elevation Scholars in preparing these students and allowing them to dream big is something beneficial to the Orlando community but beyond that, to the entire country. These are students who can go high but need not only the guidance, but the direction. It appears the application process itself allows the student to dream of what is possible.
All the students I interviewed were impressive, and so were the parents. They each had unique and impressive situations. But the story of one of the students, Kamile, touched me the most. Kamile came with her mother. The clear line of communication for both was evident. Kamile articulated her dream well and her mom affirmed her goal and vision, even her choice of university. What was more touching was that the mother worked overnight as a nurse and drove straight from her shift to attend the interview. Her commitment was impressive. She said, as she completed her interview, “please join me to make the dream happen for my daughter; I cannot do it alone.” Her ask summed up the purpose of Elevation Scholars.
We ended the long day energized more than when we arrived early in the day. But then, I know we just left the hard work and decisions to the Elevation Scholars staff who had to cut down the applicants from 97 worthy students to 24 most deserving scholars. Overall, it was a day well spent.
Elevation Scholars Interview Day Highlight Video
https://youtu.be/Aq3iGXQVDjI?si=0xUUtrlzGT29Z2nj
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