Each year, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) identifies its highest- achieving first-generation and/or low-income students for the Cleveland Foundation College Now Scholars Program. This program focuses on guiding these students to find their best-fit postsecondary match, considering their academic, financial, social and environmental needs. With the support of College Now advisors, students embark on a journey to discover higher education opportunities that will set them up for success. 

Since its establishment in 2011, the Cleveland Foundation College Now Scholars Program has significantly increased not only the selectivity of schools that students enroll in, but also the amount of financial aid they are receiving to put toward their education. In addition to personalized guidance, students benefit from carefully curated college tours throughout their senior year, providing invaluable insights into their potential campuses. 

The Cleveland Foundation College Now Scholars Program paves the way for first-generation college students who face challenges unfamiliar to their peers, like Jennifer Nguyen. After being introduced to the program at Cleveland John Hay Early College in 2014, Jennifer opted into a fourth year of high school, which was not common for John Hay students. “After hearing College Now present during my junior year, I realized there was a lot more I could do to prepare for college, using College Now’s services,” she reflects.  

Driven by a desire to secure her future, Jennifer immersed herself in the program’s offerings. From college tours at University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon and more, to personalized application assistance, Jennifer found herself empowered to explore opportunities previously beyond her reach. When the time came to narrow down her college decisions, she turned to College Now to help her find the best fit for her professional, academic and social growth. Aware of Jennifer’s interest in pursuing a business degree, Martha Basile, advisor, suggested John Carroll University. Advisors from the Cleveland Foundation College Now Scholars Program closely work with their students, comprehending their passions and aspirations, which prompted Martha to propose it to Jennifer. Although she was initially unsure about John Carroll, all it took was a campus tour arranged by her advisors and Jennifer found her home. Jennifer credits her decision to her advisors, as she believes if it were not for them, she would not have considered John Carroll.  

Having grown up in a household that emphasized hard work, Jennifer’s mission was to make sure her parents did not have to spend a penny on her college education. “I never wanted their help because both of my parents are immigrants who worked very hard to get to America and where they are today. They provided so much for me, so I didn’t want them to have to worry,” she says. One of the most memorable moments she recalls is when her father joined her on decision day to sign the paperwork, believing he needed to cover at least the entrance fee. Unbeknownst to him, Jennifer had diligently worked with her advisors to secure scholarships that would cover all educational expenses. Prepared to pay the application fee and deposit, her father was pleasantly surprised when Martha announced, “You don’t have to pay for anything—it’s covered by us.” Jennifer felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy, knowing that the Cleveland Foundation College Now Scholars Program had not only provided her with emotional and financial support but had also reassured her parents that she was well taken care of and positioned for success. 

Today, Jennifer works as a financial analyst at HX5, a defense contract company. She credits the Cleveland Foundation Scholars program for helping her get her footing into the world of adulthood.  “Applying to college, scholarships and not knowing if you’re going to get in or not is very stressful for kids who put the burden on themselves,” she says. Beyond the financial assistance, it was the program’s commitment to her well-being and success that left a lasting impression. Through the program, Jennifer not only found a pathway to higher education but also discovered a community that believed in her potential and celebrated her every step of the way.