We are launching The Goodly Scholarship to provide a select group of deserving students with the opportunity to visit colleges across the country. This will give them a hands-on experience of college life, introduce them to admissions officers, expose them to diverse academic environments, and help them make informed decisions about their future.

These college tours will:

• Provide access to opportunities: Students will visit top-tier institutions to explore a variety of post-secondary options.

• Cultivate confidence: Stepping onto a college campus helps break down the mental barriers that may prevent a student from even considering higher education as an option.

• Empower informed decisions: By meeting with faculty, touring campus facilities, and hearing from current students, they’ll make better, more confident choices about their future education.

How You Can Help:

Our goal is to raise $12000 to send 4 students on life-changing 3 day college tours. Here’s how your donation can make an impact:

• $500 covers transportation costs for one student.

• $1000 covers lodging and meals for one student.

• $1500 covers freshman year scholarship

• $3000 covers the full cost of sending a student on a college tour and a freshman scholarship.

• $6,000 sponsors two students to go on a college tour, giving them the opportunity to explore different campuses and programs.

No amount is too small—each contribution adds up to help send a student toward their future.

Day 1: Arrival & Campus Exploration (Howard University)

Morning: Arrival & Orientation

• Arrival & Check-in: Meet at the hotel orfor check-in.

• Welcome Breakfast: Enjoy a casual breakfast with the group, introducing the itinerary and setting expectations for the trip.

• Campus Overview: Begin with a short introduction session where college representatives (or the tour guide) give a quick overview of the university, its history, and its programs.

Midday: Campus Tour

• Guided Walking Tour: Students are led on a tour of the campus, where they’ll see:

  • Iconic landmarks (libraries, famous statues, main quad)

  • Sports facilities (stadiums, gym, rec center)

  • Dormitories - student housing (if accessible)

  • The main student hub (cafeteria, study spaces, lounges)

• Lunch on Campus: Enjoy a meal at one of the campus dining areas. Let the students explore different food options and experience what a typical college lunch might look like.

Afternoon: Interactive College Experience

• “Mini College Class”: Hold a fun, hands-on workshop with a college professor or student ambassador. Some ideas include:

  • STEM: A robotics demo or a fun science experiment

  • Creative Arts: A brief art class or a graphic design workshop

  • Writing & Storytelling: A creative writing activity or poetry slam

  • Public Speaking or Debate: A mini debate competition or group discussion

• Q&A Session with College Students: Students can ask current college students about their experiences, what they love about their school, and tips for succeeding in high school to prepare for college.

Evening: Relaxed Group Activity

• Outdoor Picnic or BBQ: After the busy day, enjoy a casual picnic at the National Mall. This provides a relaxed atmosphere for socializing.

• Group Games: Organize icebreaker activities and games such as a scavenger hunt, charades, or trivia based on the college’s history or fun facts.

Day 2: Dive Deeper into College Life & Fun Exploration (Georgetown University)

Morning: College Admissions 101

• Interactive College Prep Session: Start the day with a session designed to introduce students to the college admissions process, but in a fun, accessible way. Topics can include:

  • What do college applications look like?

  • Why grades, extracurriculars, and personal interests matter

  • Fun “What if?” scenarios (e.g., “What would you study if you could pick any subject?”)

• Campus Exploration Challenge: Give students a set of clues and have them work in teams to find various buildings or landmarks on campus. This helps them feel more comfortable navigating the university.

Midday: Lunch & Free Time

• Lunch on Campus: Choose a different dining spot for lunch, perhaps a different dining hall or a food court.

• Free Time: Allow the students time to visit the bookstore, relax in a student lounge, or even play a quick game of frisbee or basketball at the recreation center.

Afternoon: Exploratory Excursion

• Historical Tour: Arrange for students to receive a guided tour of The National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour

Evening: Group Activity & Dinner

• Group Scavenger Hunt: Organize a campus-wide scavenger hunt to familiarize the students with key areas and buildings on the campus in a fun, team-oriented way.

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner in the campus dining hall. Provide a casual, social setting to discuss the day’s experiences.

Day 3: Exploring Campus Resources & Personal Reflection (George Washington University)

Morning: Morning Motivation Session

• Guest Speaker or Motivational Talk: Invite a motivational speaker (college professor, alumni, or a successful college student) to share an inspiring story about their journey to college and beyond. The focus should be on overcoming challenges, staying focused on goals, and the importance of hard work in high school to get into college.

Midday: College Resources Tour

• Student Services Tour: Take the students to see different support resources available to college students:

  • Tutoring & Study Centers: Where students can go for academic help.

  • Counseling & Health Services: To understand the importance of mental health and well-being in college.

  • Career Services: Show students how the university helps students prepare for future careers.

  • Campus Sustainability Programs: If applicable, take a tour of green buildings or sustainability initiatives on campus.

• Lunch on Campus: Have lunch while reflecting on what they’ve learned so far.

Afternoon: Exploratory Excursion

• Historical Tour: Arrange for students to receive a guided tour of The Capitol

• Reflection Session: Gather students for a final group discussion where they share:

  • What surprised them most about college

  • What they found inspiring or motivating

  • What they’d like to study in the future

• Closing Ceremony: Wrap up the day with a lighthearted ceremony where each student receives a “Future College Leader” certificate or award for their participation.

Evening: Farewell Dinner & Social

• Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a final group dinner at a fun, local restaurant to wrap up the trip and discuss takaways.

• Group Social or Game Night: End the tour with a relaxed social activity like a game night, trivia contest, or karaoke. This gives everyone a chance to bond and unwind before heading home.

This itinerary will provide a balanced and fun introduction to college life while also inspiring students to think ahead about their future educational goals!

The Impact:

Your support isn’t just a donation. It’s an investment in the future of our next generation of leaders, creators, and thinkers. By helping these students see what’s possible, you’re not just sending them on a college tour. You’re giving them a vision for their future, a belief in themselves, and a greater chance to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

1. Grade Level:

   • Applicant must be currently enrolled in a middle school (grades 6-8).

2. Financial Need:

   • Applicants must come from a household with an income that is below the median household income for their region or qualify for free/reduced lunch programs.

   • Documentation such as tax returns, proof of eligibility for free/reduced lunch, or other financial assistance programs may be requested.

3. Academic Achievement:

   • Students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or demonstrate significant improvement in academic performance over the past year.

   • Applicants must show a commitment to learning and a desire to succeed academically, even in the face of adversity.

4. Extracurricular Involvement:

   • While not mandatory, involvement in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, community service, etc.) will be considered positively.

   • Demonstrating leadership or initiative in any form (even informal leadership in peer groups) is encouraged.

5. Essay/Personal Statement:

   • Applicants must submit a 500-750 word essay (or an audio/video submission if writing is a barrier) detailing:

     • Their personal story, including challenges they have faced and how they have overcome them.

     • Their educational and personal goals.

     • Why they believe they deserve the scholarship and how it will help them achieve their goals.

6. Recommendations:

   • At least two letters of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, or community leader who can speak to the student’s character, academic ability, and potential.

7. Community Engagement:

   • Students who are involved in their community or have shown a commitment to helping others. This can include volunteer work, helping peers, or being involved in community service projects.

8. Family Support:

   • Applicants must have the support and approval of a parent or guardian, who must sign the scholarship application.

   • In some cases, a brief meeting with the student’s parent or guardian may be requested to discuss how the scholarship will assist in the student’s development.

9. Special Considerations:

   • Students facing specific hardships, such as homelessness, foster care, or being part of a single-parent household, may receive priority consideration.

   • Applicants with a documented learning disability or other special needs may also be given special consideration for additional resources or accommodations.

10. Commitment to Education:

• Applicants must demonstrate a long-term commitment to continuing their education beyond middle school and express a desire to attend high school and eventually college or pursue vocational training.

Application Process:

1. Application Form:

   • Applicants must complete an online or paper application form that collects personal information, educational background, family income details, and contact information.

2. Submission of Documents:

   • Completed application form.

   • Proof of financial need (e.g., eligibility for free/reduced lunch, tax forms, etc.).

   • Official school transcript or report card.

   • Essay/personal statement.

   • Letters of recommendation.

3. Selection Process:

   • Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a committee of educators, community leaders, and philanthropists.

   • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to further discuss their goals and aspirations.

   • Final award recipients will be notified and celebrated at an award ceremony.

4. Award Amount:

   • $3000 ($1500 will cover full trip expenses and recipients will receive a $1500 freshman year scholarship once admitted to a college)

5. Ongoing Monitoring:

   • Scholarship recipients will be asked to submit periodic progress reports, including grades, activities, and reflections on how the scholarship has impacted their education.