Success Stories

After starting and pausing her college journey several times, Carmalita returned to school with a clear and determined mission: to finally complete her degree. As a lifelong Cleveland resident, Carmalita has always felt called to help others. Throughout her career, she has worked as a teacher’s aide and, for the last decade, as an independent provider. With this experience under her belt, she realized the next step had been clear all along: return to school and pursue a degree in nursing.

When attending undergrad, students are presented with an array of opportunities to enrich their educational experiences. This was the case for Stefani Garcia, a student at Case Western Reserve University. In fall 2023, Stefani was a recipient of the Gillman scholarship and had the privilege of studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador through International Education of Students (IES). During her time abroad, Stefani underwent an unforgettable journey of growth, learning and endless exploration.

Student loan debt is a significant obstacle to reaching financial freedom for many individuals. However, with the right support and resources, getting out of debt is possible. College Now has helped over 2,600 individuals save an estimated $176.8 million in student loans, by helping them navigate the complexities of student loan forgiveness programs.

In Fall 2019, the Say Yes Scholars Program at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) — managed by College Now — launched as a lifeline for qualifying students who may need additional support on campus. With retention rates – the process of keeping students enrolled at postsecondary education institutions — hitting historic lows just prior to the pandemic, De’Antae Ware, director of the Say Yes Scholars Program, recognized the urgent need to not only meet but exceed retention and graduation targets.

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.

College Now’s Adult Learner Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for individuals aged 19 and over who have paused their education journey, providing a pathway for them to pursue their academic and career aspirations. This scholarship, renewable for up to 10 semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree, offers vital financial support to recipients as they navigate their educational pursuits.

At first glance, Aminah and her mentor, Jill, may seem like they don’t have much in common. Aminah, a senior at Macalester College, is studying biology with an emphasis in biochemistry and minor in chemistry. Her mentor, Jill, has her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University, her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan and is the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Dealer Tire. They come from different cultural backgrounds and are at different points in their lives. But, through the College Now Mentoring Program, the two women have forged a connection that benefits them both.

A hallmark of being a College Now scholarship recipient is being matched a mentor who will help guide students for four years, starting with their transition to college and through the next four years to graduation. The mentoring program is proven to have a 70% graduation rate for mentored students which is nearly double the national average.