A Future Worth Investing In

Jordan’s journey with FLY began in our Law Program, where he first built confidence, strengthened his understanding of the justice system, and began envisioning a different future. He continued his growth through FLY’s Leadership Program, developing the skills, determination, and resilience that have helped him pursue his goals beyond high school.

As graduation approached, FLY staff worked alongside Jordan to ensure financial barriers wouldn’t stand in the way of his future. Over the past several months, Career Pathways Navigator Valentine and Program Coordinator Kayla helped him explore life after high school by touring college campuses, researching scholarships, and identifying opportunities that would allow him to pursue multiple career pathways with less financial burden.

Through Valentine’s research, Jordan was connected with the Willow Glen Foundation and, with Kayla’s guidance, completed a thoughtful scholarship application and personal essay. Their efforts resulted in an incredible outcome.

Jordan was selected to receive not one, but two scholarships from the Willow Glen Foundation, one for $750 and another for $10,000. The larger award was especially meaningful. After reading Jordan’s story, the family foundation sponsoring the scholarship was so inspired by his perseverance, determination, and aspirations that they doubled their original award from $5,000 to $10,000.

This fall, Jordan will begin pursuing a Business degree at Evergreen Valley College while also attending barber school to earn his barber license. Already an accomplished barber with a loyal clientele, Jordan is building both his education and his entrepreneurial future. These scholarships will give him the flexibility to explore every opportunity available to him while reducing the financial burden of taking these important next steps.

Jordan’s success is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, as well as the power of sustained support. By connecting young people to opportunities and walking alongside them as they pursue their goals, FLY helps ensure that their futures are defined not by past circumstances, but by their potential.