So many of these kids come from dark places, and their life so far has programmed them to expect bad things. STAND A CHANCE is dedicated to changing this trajectory with the opportunity of getting a higher education, along with a stable support system in place all the way to the finish line.
Our invaluable sponsors made it possible for STAND A CHANCE to award a few scholarships this year, even though we just launched last summer and only just our mission. Nevertheless, we are very proud of our dynamic and determined young scholars. All bring different goals and different plans, but they share the bond of growing up with a parent in prison. These scholarships are much more than financial aid. They signify a brand new outlook in a positive direction. They are about to COME UP out of the grim days of their childhood and look forward to a prosperous future.
Scholarships cover tuition, books, and essential living expenses, reducing barriers that often derail academic and career plans. Beyond money, the scholarships affirm each student's capacity to define their own path and make measurable progress toward it.
Even our initial success as an organization confirms the power of focused support. We believe in building a solid foundation with mentorship and one on one character-building activities. Our goal for these bright young people is sustainable progress and a life full of joy. STAND A CHANCE brings big dreams and real hope to kids growing up with an incarcerated parent, and we are committed to expanding our reach to many of the millions out there.
Come Up Club
Keisha Hudson
Galen School of Nursing • San Antonio, Texas
I start Galen College of Nursing in the Fall.I stay at my Gramma’s house, which is only a few miles from the school. Most of my friends are looking forward to moving away for college, but not me. I can’t imagine not seeing her everyday. My whole life, I dreamed of becoming a nurse like her, but I just didn’t see it working out for me. I promised to stay away from negative thoughts, because I am moving on up! Thank You, STAND A CHANCE! I still can’t believe it’s real. I’m so excited to start. My Gramma is so proud.
University of Texas Cizik School of Nursing
Marcella Gomez
My parents were hopeless drug addicts, before I was born. I wasn’t even a year old when they both got arrested. My mother ended up taking the charge, so father could go free, and help my Grandma with me. But the judge ordered him to rehab, so when he came home, he had to attend those meetings, and he was always worried about his drug tests coming back positive. So basically, even though he was out of jail, my Grandma took care of me for the most part, and he helped very little.
Lyle Breaux
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
I don’t really know my Dad. In fact, I don’t know him at all. I was only three years-old when he was shipped off to Angola Prison, the largest, maximum security prison in the country ran by the State of Louisiana. But I wasn’t surprised to find out that he works with the horses at Angola Prison. I guess I’m saying we may have something genetically in common. I was born a horse whisperer and possess a natural way with all animals, especially horses. It has been my dream to become a vet since I was a boy.
University of Arkansas
Clancy Johnson
Going to see my dad in prison was difficult, and I used to cry at night that I wanted him to get out. Then when he got out, I would cry because I wanted him to go back. I just didn’t know how to have a relationship with him, and neither did my mom. She cried too, because they would fight. Well, it wasn’t but a few more grueling months, and he did go back on a parole violation. When that happened, we didn’t go to visit him again. The next time I went for visitation was years later with my Aunte, Dad’s sister. It was so different and so much worse than I remembered. Maybe I was older and noticed more. It had been reclassified as a Maximum Security Prison, and our whole visit was on the telephone through the glass. I felt bad for feeling this way, but I couldn’t wait to get out of there. He wasn’t that interested in being with me when he got out before, so why should I go through all this to see with him now? He couldn’t even make it to my track meet, and he promised every day. My Mom acts like she barely even remembers him, because she is dating someone that doesn’t even know. I understand it’s not healthy to not talk, but I sure feel a whole lot healthier when I don’t talk about him or even think about that part of my life. I’m not going to let any of it define who I am today or tomorrow.