Meet the 2023 First 6 Fall Scholarship Winners
The first six (6) Fall 2023 Scholarship Winners are out of this world. Each bound and determined to hold the future in their hands as they prepare for the career they are best suited for and inspired by. These are adults certain about their capacity to reach for their best and highest achievements for themselves, for others, and their communities, and men and women reaching for new frontiers. Let us introduce you to each of them!
Rashad Thornton, Jr.
Rashad Thornton, Jr. is registered at Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, with the Major Field of Study in Civil Engineering, with plans to earn his Bachelor of Science degree, and graduate in May of 2027. When asked what inspires him, Rashad said it is his friends and family, industry mentors and instructors who inspire him to make a difference in the world. He added, “I want to give someone a fair chance at a successful life.”
Rashad went on to say teamwork requires working with peers to solve problems. “While I value my personal growth and achievements, having a team that can work together is unstoppable!” And, should Rashad find himself in a financial pickle, he said, “Being an engineer means you have to be creative and fix problems in the community. I would come up with a creative device or product to solve a common problem in the community.”
Kennedy Scott
Kennedy Scott is attending the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, with her Major Field of Study in Nursing. She anticipates her graduation date in 2027 and is well on her way!
Kennedy is inspired by her future. As she puts it, “I have been given a chance to write my path for the future as a Nurse Practitioner with the hopes of moving forward towards a Doctorate Degree, and that makes me eager in life - financially, mentally, and physically stable, depending on myself alone.” In addition, what she shared with us is that what inspires her about the 431 Exchange is that, “a lot of adults want a career but can’t afford it. And yet the 431 Exchange makes it possible for adults’ dreams to come true!”
Antoine Vicks
Antoine Vicks has chosen Construction Engineering Technology at Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, Louisiana, as his field of study. He, too, anticipates receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 2027. When asked what appeals to him most about his educational program, Antoine said, “I realized I am good at designing virtually and I would like to use my talents for homes and construction.”
What makes Antoine eager to make a difference in his life? “I want to help my family move out of New Orleans because we’ve been trying to move for a long time and are nearly there. I want to leave New Orleans because of the crime and for a better opportunity.”
When asked what inspires him about the 431 Exchange, Antoine was completely candid. “I like that they help people like myself get a higher education or training, which can help break the generational curse of poverty.”
Jada Howard
Jada Howard, the 4th Scholarship Winner this Fall, is at Chamberlain University, in Jefferson, Louisiana, is registered in the Nursing Program, and plans to graduate in May of 2026 with her Bachelor’s Degree.
Like the other Scholarship Winners this Fall, Jada is confident of her future. “I know my potential and I want to reach my maximum and higher. I know what I want in my life and I’m determined to get there.”
When asked the appeal of the education program she registered for, Jada said the program is offered to all, no matter what, with no restrictions. “It’s just a fair, free program for all. The best part about the program.” And, like the other early scholarship winners, Jada knows how she can make ends meet, should she run into unexpected financial needs.
Jy’Naejah Caples
Jy’Naejah Caples is studying Management at Howard University, in Washington, DC. and says, “As a business major, what appeals to me is we get to meet CEOs and members of these big corporations who want to hire us for their companies. I am learning how to manage big corporations so I can build my own global business to help grow my community.”
In addition, Jy’Naejah told us that what stands out to her about our nonprofit is, “the 431 Exchange is willing to help low-income people like me with our financial needs, so we can have a higher education and wonderful career.” Jy’Naejah is on her way to a bright future!
Jakaya Sandifer
Last but by no means least, Jakaya Sandifer, our sixth Scholarship Winner this Fall, is registered in Pre-Nursing at Grambling State University, in Ruston, Louisiana. It is her family that inspires her the most. As she wrote in her application, “Many of my family members didn’t choose to take a career path, or make something of their lives. This is my chance to show people the new generation hasn’t gone completely bad!”
When it comes to sharing what appeals to her most about the program she’s chosen at Grambling – and her plans to use it to her highest and best good - Jakaya says, “we need more people in the healthcare field who actually care, rather than choose the career for its pay. My goal,” she said, “is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for my patients.”
Jakaya went on to tell us she is inspired by the 431 Exchange because so many people are unable to afford developing future careers. “It’s a good feeling to know people are still giving back.”
We hope you are as inspired as we have been by these Scholarship Winners, for their devotion and confidence in the future that lies ahead of them.