Imagine the moment a student receives their first college acceptance letter. Now imagine that student is a first-generation college-goer who never thought college was an option. Suddenly, with a scholarship, the future looks brighter. That letter becomes more than a piece of paper—it becomes a key to unlocking possibility. At iLevelUP, a program by Believe in Me, we’re committed to creating these moments for students who need them most. Scholarships are more than financial aid; they’re tools for transformation.
In this blog, we’ll explore how scholarships change lives for students from underserved communities, highlight real student journeys, and share how you can be part of the movement. If you’re a donor, educator, policymaker, or student advocate, this is your invitation to help iLevelUP build a bridge between hope and opportunity.
The Scholarship Effect: More Than Just Money
For marginalized students—those who face challenges due to race, economic status, citizenship, gender identity, or life circumstance—access to higher education can feel like climbing a mountain with no gear. Scholarships level the playing field. They reduce or eliminate the need for student loans, remove the stress of working long hours while in school, and send a message: “You belong here.”
But the value goes far beyond tuition.
Scholarships grant legitimacy to a student’s ambition. They allow young people to dream beyond limitations placed on them by their environment or circumstances. They offer permission to imagine new futures. And for first-gen college students, scholarships can be the catalyst that rewrites family legacies.
When Financial Support Becomes Fuel for Change
Studies show that financial assistance significantly increases college enrollment and completion rates, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. But beyond the data, it’s the personal stories that prove the power of a scholarship.
Let’s take a closer look at three iLevelUP students who turned scholarships into stepping stones:
1. Adrian Macias Ontiveros
Raised in a single-parent household with financial uncertainty, Adrian never took success for granted. He maintained a 3.57 GPA, showed leadership and drive, and dreamed of studying business at the University of Washington. When he received a $2,500 scholarship through Believe in Me, the stress of affording college eased. Adrian is now on a mission to empower others through community-focused business innovation. His scholarship wasn’t just a check; it was a vote of confidence.
2. Brianna Horner
After overcoming personal adversity, Brianna is now thriving at Gonzaga University, pursuing her goal of becoming a social worker. She’s a two-time scholarship recipient, and each award reinforced her commitment to building a better world. With less financial pressure, Brianna was able to immerse herself in academic life and community engagement. Today, she inspires others who face similar odds.
3. Trufant Family Fund Scholars
In partnership with the Trufant Family Foundation, iLevelUP awards scholarships to first-gen students across Washington. These students often juggle multiple responsibilities, face systemic barriers, and have limited access to college-prep resources. Through our annual Marcus Trufant Charity Golf Tournament, we raise funds to support their success. Every dollar raised becomes a lifeline for a student who otherwise might not make it to day one of college.
The Ripple Effect of Educational Access
Scholarships are investments that pay off in exponential ways. When one student succeeds, families change, communities grow stronger, and local economies benefit. iLevelUP believes that college readiness and success shouldn’t depend on your zip code or background. Scholarships, paired with mentorship and holistic support, ensure that students can thrive, not just survive.
Here are some of the broader impacts we’ve seen:
Reduced Dropout Rates: Students with scholarships are significantly more likely to complete their degrees. Research indicates that financial support can increase graduation rates among first-generation students from 27.4% to 51% over four years .
Increased Confidence: Financial relief boosts self-esteem and academic engagement. Scholarships alleviate financial stress, allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on financial concerns, leading to a more enriching academic experience .
Community Leadership: Scholarship recipients often return to serve and lead in their communities. Equipped with knowledge and skills, they contribute to local economic growth, social progress, and community development .
Generational Change: First-gen students who graduate pave the way for younger siblings and peers. Their success stories inspire others in their communities to pursue higher education, breaking cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement .
The Role of iLevelUP in Education Equity
iLevelUP isn’t just about getting students into college. It’s about keeping them there. Our platform connects first-gen and marginalized students to tools that make the journey smoother—from FAFSA guidance and scholarship matching to academic goal setting and mentorship.
But none of this is possible without people who care.
We rely on our community of donors, partners, and educators to make this vision real. Whether you’re contributing financially or sharing your expertise, every action creates impact.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can join us in leveling the playing field:
Fund a Dream: Donate to our scholarship fund or sponsor a student cohort.
Mentor a Student: Share your experience with someone who needs guidance.
Advocate: Push for policies that increase education funding and access.
Partner with Us: Schools, businesses, and nonprofits can collaborate to build scholarship pipelines.
If you’ve ever believed that talent is universal but opportunity is not, this is your moment to act.
The Next Chapter Starts With You
Scholarships give students the courage to imagine more. They allow students to say yes to opportunities instead of walking away. They help students see themselves not as outsiders, but as contributors, creators, and leaders.
iLevelUP is proud to be part of this story. With your help, we can ensure every capable student has the support they need to reach their full potential. Let’s build a future where college dreams don’t die in the face of financial hardship.
Let’s level up. Together.
References
Angrist, J., Autor, D., & Pallais, A. (2020). Marginal Effects of Merit Aid for Low-Income Students. National Bureau of Economic Research. Link
Ballard Brief. (2023). Drop-Out Rates among First-Generation Undergraduate Students in the United States. Link
Wilkos, R. (2023). The Impact of Scholarships on Higher Education. Link
Mico Foundation. (2023). How Education Scholarships Are a Catalyst for Positive Change. Link
The Ed Advocate. (2025). From Challenge to Triumph: Empowering Marginalized Students to Become Scholars. Link
