One of the most transformative initiatives at Person-to-Person is the Scholarship Program, established in 1968 to provide financial assistance to college students from low-income households, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Over the last 10 years, more than 1,700 students have been awarded over $3.6 million in scholarships. Among P2P Scholars, the graduation rate is an impressive 79 percent, a figure well above the national average of 20 percent for students from low-income households.
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— an announcement from Person-to-Person
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With the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, each year P2P recognizes the considerable achievements of two college seniors who demonstrate a high degree of integrity and responsibility as well as a commitment to community service. In recognition of their accomplishments, each student is awarded $1,000 for use in attaining professional or academic post-graduate goals.
The award bearing the name of Dr. King has particular significance given his belief that education allowed people to break free from the “… culture of poverty.”
P2P Scholar Isaiah Mohammed with P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher and P2P Board Vice President Marie Radcliff (photo from Person-to-Person)
Isaiah Mohammed is a Norwalk resident and UConn Senior who will be joining the two-year IT Leadership Program at United Technologies following his graduation this spring.
In 2012, Mohammed co-founded Good Year Quality, a community-service organization that mentors and prepares high school students for college and the professional world.
Mohammed has helped to establish partnerships with Boys & Girls Club (Bridgeport/New Haven/Hartford), RiseUP (Hartford) and Journey House (Willimantic), and coordinate college tours, workshops on college readiness, professional development, leadership development and health and wellness, and has participated in weekly tutoring sessions.
These efforts have motivated hundreds of students in Hartford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, New Haven, Manchester and other local communities to go to college. Starting with no working capital, the organization now receives over $10,000 in funding from the UConn student government each semester.
Mohammed notes that the inspiration for Good Year Quality was drawn from his own life experiences. “Throughout my life, I have had many mentors who stepped in and guided me to success; without them I would not be where I am today.”
His involvement with the organization allows him to do the same for others while adding to his own development.
“Leading this organization has taught me three life skills,” he said. “The first is self-discovery of my purpose and the ‘why’ that motivates me to work hard daily. The second is being an adaptable and optimistic leader even when things go wrong. The third is learning the importance of being a great follower while also being a leader.”
The scholarship award was announced at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast hosted by Calvary Baptist Church at West Rocks Middle School.
Michael Jean-Paul is a member of the Class of 2016 at UConn where he is majoring in Communications. A resident of Stamford, he is also the second P2P Scholar from his family. (His brother, who went on to earn a Master’s in Social Work, graduated college in 2012.)
From left: Congressman Jim Himes and P2P Scholar Michael Jean-Paul (photo from Person-to-Person)
Jean-Paul was selected for this scholarship award in recognition of his history of volunteering and community involvement. Serving as an event volunteer at the UConn School of Business has informed his professional development.
Through his volunteer efforts at the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Jean-Paul has been able to help others. And he has been able to apply this experience to national causes through his participation in the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN).
Involvement with each of these non-profits has had a significant impact on his personal and professional development. “I can make a difference in people’s lives as a direct result of my actions, which has reinforced my commitment to continue work that will have a positive impact on my community.”
The recognition of this young man was a highlight of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Yerwood Center in Stamford. Jean-Paul acknowledged this when he said “This is an indescribable feeling. To be awarded this distinction on a historic day dedicated to a man who helped to benefit the entire world is just such an honor.”
About Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person, Inc. was established in 1968 to provide low-income individuals and families living in Lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services.
A community-supported agency, Person-to-Person is committed to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency through practical help, advocacy, education and problem solving initiatives. Programs include Emergency Assistance, Campership and Scholarship.
With offices in Darien and Norwalk, the Person-to-Person service area includes Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. More information may be found on the web at www.p2pHelps.org.