First Semester In The Books!

Our first college-scholarship recipient, MaKayla, has wrapped up her first college semester at SLU and is absolutely killing! Not only did she successfully finish the semester with a 3.52 GPA, but she did so while also balancing work and 10+ hours of community service.

Not surprisingly, she chose to give her time to a local St. Louis organization, Almost Home, that has a mission to "empower young moms to become self-sufficient and create a better future for themselves and their children."

As part of her scholarship requirements, she also completed a well-thought out, articulate essay reflecting on what this first semester meant to her. Below is one of my favorite quotes from this essay and something that I find so motivating each time I read it. 

MaKayla reflecting on her first semester in college

When I first read her essay and saw the official transcript of her first semester, I couldn't help but feel so damn proud of her and what she is setting out to accomplish. So many young adults across America, who are also first-generation college students, can struggle with the rigors of higher education for myriad reasons.

That's why it's so important that we as an organization take responsibility for how our students perform in school and don't simply hand out tuition funds based on prior achievements. We try to make ourselves available 24/7 to the scholarship winners so that when they inevitably encounter the challenges that make the question if they're capable of actually succeeding, we are one of the first ones to adamantly say how much we believe in them!

As supporters of I Do It For Her, you too should feel this sense of responsibility and pride. Your donations have made this life-changing event possible and your continued support allows us to have an unbelievable impact on the lives of low-income students who otherwise may not have this chance.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

- Adam

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Over $2,000 Raised!

Because of your incredible generosity, we successfully raised over $2,000 for our most recent scholarship recipient, MaKayla! 

Those funds will go on top of the original $4,000 that she was originally awarded and I can't express emphatically enough how much of a help that is going to be for her. We all know (some more personally than others) the heavy burden student debt can put on someone, especially when that person comes from a low income family and lacks some of the resources a lot of us took for granted growing up. 

This money clearly won't cover her total tuition bill but it does soften the financial pressure. Our hope is to one day become a large enough organization that can give full financial scholarships and with enough determination (and luck) we will get there.

We are tremendously grateful for your continuing support and couldn't feel more proud to share this exciting news with you. Please don't ever stop being such beautiful human beings and setting the example for others to follow.

Beyond Thankful,

Adam

100k Race Fundraiser

In less than 4 weeks, I'm going to be running my first 100k trail race as part of the Bear Chase Race Series here in Colorado. It's going to be an incredibly demanding physical challenge and even more contested mental battle. Both of those extremes are integral into discovering just who "you" are as a person and never fail in being able to deliver a necessary moment of self-reflection. 

CrowdRise Donation Page

One of your fellow amazing, beautiful, and down-right badass 'I Do It For Her' supporters has graciously offered to match each dollar donated up to $1,000! Race entry fees have already been paid for and the race is a local one so no travel expenses need to be covered (I.e. flights to Mongolia...) which means that every dollar donated goes directly to our most recent scholarship recipient, MaKayla.

She is resolutely determined young woman attending SLU this Fall and we couldn't be more proud of who she is and what she wants to accomplish.  

Pushing my body to its limits while testing the fortitude of my mind and heart is a great encapsulation of our powerful mantra that demands we "become someone better than we ever thought possible". Anything, physical or emotional, that pushes you into the chaotic storm that is human life can ultimately lead to a more profound existence if you're able to stand your ground a keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Be Better,

Adam

KIPP St. Louis: Our new approach to helping others

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For the past 5 years, our mission has been to help those in desperate need of a quality education receive that opportunity through partial scholarships. The impact we've had on both the selected students and their families has been incredibly gratifying, humbling, and powerful!

Recently, our partner organization, KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Stl, has made a BIG change and will be opening a brand new KIPP high school this Fall. By doing so, they will add another positive layer to serving St. Louis youths and their families who don't have the financial ability to get the life-changing education they deserve.

Because of this improvement, we are going to shift our focus towards helping high school students coming out of the KIPP organization prepare for the financial burden of college. Given the recent statistics that amount to over $1.4 TRILLION in crippling student loan debt, students who live below the poverty have yet another obstacle to overcome..

We are accepting of the challenges ahead and are dedicated to continue our promise that every dollar you donate goes DIRECTLY to helping those in need. Your support is changing lives and we can't thank you enough!