Student Scholars

The Girl Friends Fund, Inc. is very proud to highlight the talented, energetic, and successful students who have been awarded our scholarships.  They have attained coveted admissions, educational advancement opportunities and are attending or have graduated from Ivy League Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other institutions of higher learning nationwide. Many are currently attending Graduate schools.

Our scholars recognize the importance of giving back to their communities. Many have volunteered in their hometown communities and around the world.

The Fund commends our scholars for their outstanding accomplishments.

Paula S., 2016 Scholar

Nominated by the New Jersey Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

It’s truly a privilege to be a GFF scholar! There is a decline in the number of young adults who are attending college for liberal arts studies. However, the Girl Friends Fund has made it possible for me to pursue my passion and truly make a difference where it counts the most! My first year of college, overall, was a giant learning experience. I learned about my strengths and weaknesses not only academically but emotionally and physically. My comprehension and interest for music education has broadened tremendously. In the past year I’ve performed in major performance venues such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. I’ve also participated in various volunteer projects through schools and churches. I have been able to give back to my community and contribute to a larger unit through the help of The Girl Friends Fund and I am exceptionally grateful for all of the support.

Paula S.

Tyra S., 2015 Scholar

Nominated by the St Louis Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

The GFF scholarship means that I have hope for the future. I’ve been blessed to receive this scholarship and even more blessed to be able to save most of it. With this scholarship, my future has more opportunities than I could ever imagine. I will be able to afford the opportunity to take an internship out of state, if I choose to I can take summer courses in another country, or I have the option of saving it to give me more stability after graduation. I am so grateful for The Girl Friends Fund because this organization’s trust and support in me gives me the courage and monetary support to pursue my dreams in all of my future endeavors. Thank you again for everything you all have done for me. Meeting with the St. Louis chapter changed my life and I will forever be grateful.

Tyra S.

Jordan C., 2012 Scholar

Nominated by the Cleveland Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

My first year in college came with many challenges and presented a wonderful opportunity to explore new academic areas as well as develop new ones, particularly my interest in health inequities. Last semester, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the non-profit organization, Partners in Health, which is involved in health system strengthening in many developing countries. This summer I received an undergraduate research fellowship from my college’s Global Health Institute which allowed me to conduct research focusing on drug-resistance to malaria at my college’s School of Public Health in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases over the summer. The success of my first year was exceptional and would not have been possible without the generous support of the Cleveland Chapter of Girl Friends and The Girl Friends Fund, Inc. I thank you for that!

Jordan C.

Paige T., 2009 Scholar

Nominated by the Albany Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

I would just like to thank all of you for your support, both emotional and financial. It means more than words could describe. I am really prospering here. I’ve made a solid group of friends. I’m taking great courses that I love, working hard, and getting the job done. I hope you are all well, and hope to see you soon!

Paige T.

Bailey B., 2009 Scholar

Nominated by the Fairfield County Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

I’ve really enjoyed all the classes I’ve taken, even with a few of the challenges I’ve faced. At points when I was not able to solve some of my academic struggles on my own, I readily sought guidance and advice from the college resource center which proved to be very helpful. With this advice and guidance I have maintained good academic standing while juggling two jobs, community service, and extracurricular activities. Whether it be successfully writing my first research paper, mentoring students at local high schools and elementary schools or taking the step to run for Black Student League elections, I have tried my best to make my first year as fulfilling as possible.

Bailey B.

Monique F., 2008 Scholar

Nominated by the Philadelphia Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

First, I would like to thank the Girl Friends Fund for its continuing support of my academic endeavors. I am excited to let you all know that I have been taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities at my school.

This fall I made the Dean’s List and started my first year in the School of Business, Executive Leadership Honors Program. This summer I will be interning with Tyco International at its’ headquarters in Princeton, NJ. I will be working in its SOX Compliance and Internal Control Division. I was also accepted for study abroad. I will be attending Euromed School of Management in Marseille, France.

These are just a few of the blessing God has given me, and without your financial support I would have not been able to make it this far!

Monique F.

Ieshaah M., 2005 Scholar

Nominated by the Buffalo Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc.

A graduate of Spelman College and Harvard Law School, she currently serves as a staff attorney at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). This is a prestigious and highly coveted position for young attorneys.

People assume that, because you are a Bill Gates Scholar, your college expenses are covered. That is not the case. I had to cover clothing, personal items and trips home during school breaks when the dorms were closed. I didn’t qualify for loans so scholarships like the GFF literally allowed me to stay in school. The fact that the GFF Scholarship was renewable for four years was particularly helpful. It meant that I had less scholarship money to secure every year. I don’t know what I would have done without the GFF Scholarship!

Ieshaah M.