UEI College Announces ‘Be the Change’ Scholarship Recipient
UEI College is committed to supporting racial equality. We stand in solidarity with the African American community for social justice. We have created the Be the Change Scholarship for UEI campuses to give our students a voice in the discussion of social justice, equality, human rights, and community change.
More than 195 students submitted entries for the inaugural Be the Change Scholarship, launched in support and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. The scholarship committee selected Stephens as the 2020 recipient.
“UEI is committed to supporting racial equality. We stand with the African American community in the push for social justice. With this scholarship we seek to honor an individual who has the passion, drive, and commitment to be an agent of change,” said Dr. Fardad Fateri, President and CEO. “Kyla is certainly worthy, and the scholarship committee was deeply moved by her essay.”
“Kyla’s perseverance has inspired the entire Gardena campus community,” said UEI Gardena Executive Director Tim Gramling. “She is a dedicated, focused student who sets a positive example for others. She is determined to be successful, and she has overcome numerous obstacles. I was thrilled when she was selected as the scholarship recipient.”
The scholarship announcement was made live via Zoom with all 15 UEI campuses participating. Stephens had been selected as a finalist from the Gardena campus, but she says she had no idea they would select her.
Congratulations “Be the Change” Scholarship Recipient
“When they said my name it was one of the most joyous moments of my life,” she said. “I’m an only child, so my failures really affected my mother. She worked so hard to provide for me and moments like this are a reminder to her that it was all worth it,” Stephens said. “I am extremely grateful to have been selected.”
To read Stephens’ essay visit: https://www.ourstudentstories.com/bethechangegardena.
We would like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to submit an entry. Your stories matter. Our work to continue advancing social justice is an ongoing endeavor, so watch for other, future opportunities to get involved and share your voice.
