Having once been homeless and on the receiving end of our academic services, sisters Nephthalie and Milca understand the importance of giving back and helping others in need. They also understand the importance of a higher education as a way to move beyond homelessness. Their dream while living in shelter was to attend college and one day work in the medical field. Through our High School Plus program, Nephthalie and Milca attended Massasoit Community College for three semesters and transferred to Bridgewater State University, where they received the honor of being accepted into the Bridgewater Scholar Program.
The Bridgewater Scholar Program is designed to assist students who have demonstrated educational success and who are poised to make the most of the resources BSU has to offer, despite the obstacles of homelessness. Students go through the regular admissions process and are nominated, then selected as Bridgewater Scholars, a distinction that grants the student full financial support.
As a way to give back while attending BSU, both Nephthalie and Milca applied to and were accepted into the Bridgewater State University Study Tour Program, which gives students the opportunity to travel and volunteer abroad for class credit. Nephthalie visited Cape Verde for three weeks during her winter break, where she volunteered at a school that Bridgewater State University funded and built. Milca is currently in Tanzania for three weeks, also volunteering at a school to help children with their education.
School on Wheels opens doors to a world full of possibilities for our students. The combination of our guidance and resources, together with the students’ hard work and determination, allows them to accomplish amazing feats. We currently have a total of five Bridgewater Scholars receiving full ride scholarships to BSU. Your support and community partners like Bridgewater State University make our work possible! Read Nephthalie’s own words about her trip.
