By Mariela Rodriguez – Communications Coordinator
As a new school year is quickly approaching, we reflect on our students’ accomplishments in 2022. With your help, 19 scholarship recipients graduated from high school in 2022. We are excited to have another generation of youth who are reaching their goals and defying the odds to finish their secondary eduations.Another great accomplishment in 2022 was our partnership with The Christine Merveil Never Back Down Foundation whose mission it is to sponsor underserved youth with vocational skills training, entrepeneurship education and establishing microbusinesses. Our first scholar recipient, Robert, received funding to cover barber training and equip him with materials to open a shop. His sister, Yeimy, was also selected as a recipient and is currently in beauty school.
Additionally, Shoulder to Shoulder provided the siblings with funds to renovate a business work space. Together, these two siblings are sharing a business to help support their family — which includes their single mother who cares full-time for a handicapped sister. Meanwhile, Robert continues to study on the weekends! We are happy to stand behind their family and believe in these two youths’ abilities, equipping them to build a brighter future for themselves and their family.
Click here to watch a video of this exciting collaboration.
We cannot wait for what 2023 will have in store for our students and this new partnership. We thank you for choosing to support and believe in our youth.