The Journey Continues New L.I.F.T. Scholars
After an extensive and competitive application process six high school seniors were awarded The Robert and Susan Kozlowski L.I.F.T. Scholarship for 2017. These seniors attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles and Granada Hills Charter High School in Granada Hills. Over 50 students met Mrs. Kozlowski, the co-founder and trustee of the L.I.F.T. Foundation, at their respective schools in February to learn about the L.I.F.T. Foundation and the opportunity to earn a scholarship and mentorship all 4 years of their college career. Candidates had two separate essays to write, two interview dates and an extensive application to complete over the course of the selection process.
It is an honor to introduce Jason Pacheco, a junior at U.C.L.A. to the L.I.F.T. family, as a member of the new class of L.I.F.T. Scholars. Jason came to the attention of the L.I.F.T. Foundation through another L.I.F.T. Scholar. Upon meeting, Jason’s perseverance to pursue his college education, despite over $30,000.00 accrued in loans in two years, along with him being first generation in his family with 3 younger siblings, growing up in a community where college is not a goal, and his strong work ethic, demonstrated he exemplifies the spirit of L.I.F.T. After going through an equally intense application process Jason is now a L.I.F.T. Scholar.
All L.I.F.T. Scholars must be first in their family to attend college, show proof of financial need, have a strong academic record, be well rounded with volunteer and extra-curricula activities to share, and plan to attend an instate college or university. Every L.I.F.T. Scholar exhibits the FIRE to learn and the belief mentorship will be valuable in their journey. Six unique individuals became the newest deserving members of the L.I.F.T. family. Their resiliency and fortitude in the face of life challenges, their drive for excellence, their understanding of the opportunities college provides, as well as their desire to embrace the gifts of mentorship made them standout among a very special group of young people.
With great pride and excitement Angelina Vargas, Jason Pacheco and Amanda Silva attending U.C.L.A., Mayeena Ulkarim starting at U.C. Santa Cruz, Chris McComas and Claudia Jorge both attending U.C. Berkeley have been honored as the 2017 L.I.F.T. Scholarship recipients! An exciting new chapter begins for each of them, as their personal and academic journeys take them to colleges and universities of their choice!
