Brianna Bradley graduated in May from Kent State University Ashtabula with an associate’s degree in Human Services. Bradley was accepted into Beatitude House’s Scholars program in 2018.
The Ursuline Sisters Scholars Program of Beatitude House serves 34 students from Ashtabula, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, and works to break the cycle of poverty through post-secondary education. This program has a three-pronged approach, providing financial support, workshops and one-on-one mentorship.
Even with Bradley working part-time, she still had trouble affording carrying a full-time class schedule at college. Then she discovered the Scholars program.
“It (was) difficult sometimes to pay for my textbooks,” she said.
While the financial assistance ensured Bradley could afford her education, she found the mentoring most beneficial.
“(What) I found most helpful about the Scholars program was the interaction between one another and having the opportunity to meet and have discussion,” she said.
Providing financial assistance eliminates just one of the many obstacles students face, said Sarah (Masek) Frank, Ursuline Sisters Scholars outreach coordinator. “But mentoring and workshops through the Scholars program is what really makes a difference in their success.”
Bradley is now helping at-risk youth in Ashtabula County’s community-based program youth OPPORTUNITIES!
“I love working with teenagers because I see myself in them and often understand what they are going through,” she said.
Bradley plans to go back to school in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s in sociology.
“My main goal is to be a counselor for at-risk youth because I feel like they are the ones who are truly impacted in our county today,” she said.
More information regarding how to donate, become a mentor or apply to the program can be found online at www.beatitudehouse.com/ursuline-sisters-scholars/ or by calling Sarah at 440-992-0265.
Beatitude House provides housing for 47 families, including 10 families in Ashtabula. Beatitude House also offers mentoring and financial aid to low-income students seeking to further their education through the Ursuline Sisters Scholars Program. To date, there are six Ursuline Sisters Scholars in Ashtabula.
In addition, Beatitude House offers language and education support to immigrants through their Immigrant Outreach program. Beatitude House has served more than 7,000 women and children.
Beatitude House is committed to serving all disadvantaged women and children. By creating homes, providing educational opportunities and fostering healthy families, they provide women and children with the opportunity to transform their lives. To learn more about how you can help visit www.beatitudehouse.com.
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