OUR RECIPIENTS

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school, and financial barriers should never stand in the way of those working hard to achieve their dreams.

Understanding that every student’s journey is unique, we welcome applicants who may not meet traditional scholarship criteria. Beyond financial support, we offer mentorship and additional funding opportunities to our recipients throughout their educational journey. 

 

Mia, 19  

Northeastern Institute of Whole Health 

I grew up in a home with a single mother and we struggled with money and other obstacles. I didn’t feel like I was thriving and when I looked at my environment, it was hard to envision any another option.  

When I was a senior in high school, my English teacher and assistant principal told me about this scholarship and encouraged me to apply. Their support changed my whole mindset. I wasn’t planning to do anything after high school at that point. I didn’t think there was a lot of hope for my future. 

When I found out I was getting a scholarship, I was so excited. I felt hopeful and I could see a positive future for myself, which was something I hadn’t before.  

I’m graduating in January and will be certified as a massage therapist. I chose this because I wanted something where I could find a job and support myself while also helping people. I felt like it could also be a good segue into other fields, maybe even starting my own business one day.  

When I think of my life before the scholarship, it was very unorganized.  I was still dealing with a lot from the environment I grew up in. I didn’t have a steady job and I didn’t have hope. After I got the scholarship, I got a full-time job, started attending class twice a week, and was able to get my own car. It just really helped me get the motivation to put my life together.  

 

 

Noah, 22 

Business Administration, Johnson and Wales University 

I grew up with divorced parents who both worked multiple jobs. I saw this as the norm. I started working at 8 years old, mowing lawns in my neighborhood, to buy things other kids had that my family couldn’t afford. There was a time I thought I’d just graduate high school and get a factory job.  

I had a 2.7 GPA in high school and I’m sure there were people who thought I wouldn’t graduate or go on to college. Through the Seacoast School of Technology, I applied for all the scholarships available to me, and met Rob and Nancy. I never thought college was possible, but they took a chance on me. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself, to be able to do things I didn’t think were possible.  

I was able to graduate in three years because I saw an opportunity to push myself and took it. I’m hoping to go into sales.  I’ve learned that if you plan, prepare and focus, you can do the things you want to do in life that most people tell you can’t. tell my story now not for sympathy but because it shows how you can overcome obstacles. My mom worked three jobs every day for my entire childhood. I say that she worked way too hard for 20 years for me not to succeed now.  

 

 

Mason, 18 

The American Academy of Health and Beauty, Manchester, NH 

I grew up with a lot of instability in my childhood from housing to finances. Because of that, I was initially scared to put myself out there and apply for this scholarship. Asking for help and applying for this scholarship was hard, but it was worth it. I’m so grateful every day that I had people like my teachers who made me realize I was worth it and the people at the scholarship fund.  

Before this, I had no expectation of going into any further education or trade. I thought I’d just get a job to contribute towards my family. There’s no way I would have accumulated the money on my own, and if I had it would have gone toward more urgent necessities that were deemed a priority. I’m grateful to have received this because I know I’m able to build myself up now. 

The circumstances of my childhood put me in a state of hypervigilance that made it hard to relax. The only time I really decompressed was every Sunday when I did my nails. It became a way for me to practice self-care and experience my feelings. I realized it was something I was good at and something that helped me feel better. It became something I wanted to pursue so I could help others the same way it helped me. I’m really looking forward to graduating from my class next month and taking my state board exam. I feel like I have prospects and I have a clear goal for my future.   

 

Sarah

Plymouth State University Class of 2020, Magna Cum Laude

Growing up, I had it pretty rough. I lived in apartments, hotels, motels, and everything in between. I’ve never really had a place I can call home. I’ve slept on couches, airmattresses, and even the floor; anywhere with a roof over my head was luxury to me. I watched my parents lose their house, get evicted many times, and lose multiple cars and jobs, mainly due to irresponsibility.

College application time was stressful. I knew it was the only option for me, but had no way to pay for it.

As I began my sophomore year at Plymouth State University, I already had an unpaid bill and no resources. I spent the first weeks of school desperately trying to figure out how to pay it. Every loan I applied for was denied because I didn’t have credit or a cosigner.

I spent hours in the financial aid office trying to figure out a way to keep myself in school, but the answer was always the same. If I didn’t come up with the money, I was going home. I felt helpless.

I always left the financial aid office feeling sad and humiliated. I began to believe that a college education wasn’t possible for me. Three days later, I would be ripped away from school and friends.

I didn’t want to go back to the stress of home and my parents’ issues. I felt like a burden to everyone. I was embarrassed to reach out and ask for help.

With the help of an EASF Scholarship, I returned to Plymouth. I could finally focus on my studies and goals. I earned a 3.87 GPA and made the Presidents list every semester. I was so incredibly thankful.

Nancy Phillips also awarded me further EASF scholarships that helped me focus on my academics instead of the financial burden.