Success Stories

Taylor Ellis (Class of 2025)

Richmond Community High School | Valedictorian

College Attending: Hampton University

Before joining Partnership for the Future (PFF), I had already discovered my passion for healthcare and my dream of becoming an anesthesiologist. Personal experiences fueled that ambition, including shadowing medical professionals and immersing myself in environments where I could see anesthesiology’s impact. While PFF didn’t directly support my medical career path, it played a critical role in helping me grow into the kind of student and leader I needed to be to pursue that goal. PFF gave me the skills and confidence to navigate the college application process, the knowledge to present myself professionally, and the understanding of financial literacy that will serve me long after high school.

One of the most empowering aspects of PFF was the college exposure. Initially, I wasn’t set on attending an HBCU. However, through campus tours and conversations, I discovered environments that resonated with my values and felt like a community. This experience shaped my vision for the college experience I wanted and instilled in me the confidence to make intentional choices.

The college and scholarship application process was sometimes overwhelming, but PFF helped break it down step by step. I stay organized through consistent support and resources and pursue opportunities that match my academic achievements and financial needs. PFF also allowed me to find scholarships easily, as there were consistent scholarship updates and workshops. Because of that support, I was accepted into over 30 colleges, earned multiple full-tuition scholarships, and will graduate as valedictorian.

The Career Immersion program was a highlight of my PFF experience. It allowed me to sharpen my professional skills, build a network, and gain real-world insight into workplace environments. Those experiences helped me become more confident in my communication, time management, and adaptability skills, skills I’ll carry with me through college and into my future career.

The workshops offered by PFF have left a lasting impact. From financial literacy to personal branding, resume building, and dining etiquette, I walked away with knowledge that will serve me long after high school. These sessions equipped me with the skills to present myself professionally, manage money wisely, and navigate formal environments, providing a strong foundation for my future. Partnership for the Future gave me the tools and confidence to pursue them. It helped me grow personally, professionally, and academically. As I prepare to take the next step in my journey, I do so with a clear vision and a strong foundation. Thank you to the Partnership for the Future community for investing in me, supporting me, and helping me unlock opportunities I once only dreamed of.

Tobenna Akunwafor (Class of 2025)

Richmond Community High School

College Attending: North Carolina A&T

Upon entering high school, the distant mirage that my future was began appearing clearer by the day. So naturally, I started stressing. It felt like a multitude of responsibilities and expectations were soon to loom over me like a rain cloud. I barely knew anything about various institutions, or about the overall college application process. All that I knew was that I had to go to a university and make something out of myself, for my parents who immigrated here with nothing; for my community back in Nigeria that’s relying on me to succeed; and for my younger brother, for whom I continue to set an example. 

One day, a friend told me about this Partnership for the Future and urged me to look into it. Initially, I was a little dismissive, but before long I found myself in my school’s media center, listening to Ms. Kate list a hundred and one reasons as to why we should apply. There were students at my school that were already a part of the program, and their combined testimonies had me sold, because they assured me that I wouldn’t have to bear the weight of figuring out my future alone.

Since then, I’ve lost count of the number of schools we’ve been to, the number of business representatives and professional spaces I’ve had the pleasure of coming into contact with, and the sheer number of people I’ve built strong relationships with — and that just might be my favorite part. Of course, as a college preparation program the objective is to prepare us for college by informing us of all of the in’s and out’s of higher education, but I believe Partnership for the Future prides themselves on going the extra mile. Not every college prep program teaches you how to tie a tie, provides summer internships, and offers interview practice. I could go on. PFF sets its members up for life during and after college, and I deeply love that aspect of this program.

I’m not sure how I would’ve navigated my senior year without PFF and their staff’s help. I used to dread all of the deadlines, but to tell the truth, the organization and constant nudges were probably the best things that could’ve happened to me this year. They kept me on track and they constantly pushed me to strive. Additionally, my mentor Mr. Tolliver is genuinely one of the most inspirational men I’ve ever met, and we got extremely close and have had many deep conversations, all thanks to this program. 

I ensured that my brother Ejike finished his application because I want him to experience the same benefits I currently am. The extensive number of resources at my disposal, from scholarship opportunities all the way to PFF students that are at the institutions I’m considering attending, wouldn’t be available to me if not for PFF. I’ll always advocate for this program and encourage younger students to put effort into it, because I know just how much they can help.

Fatma Sidi-Elemine (Class of 2025)

Huguenot High School | Full-Ride Scholarship

College Attending: University of Richmond

Moving from Mauritania at a young age, I found America to be a strange and intimidating place where I felt like I didn’t belong. Over time, I realized that instead of trying to fit in, I should strive to stand out. This shift in perspective led me to the incredible Partnership for the Future program, which has had a positive impact on my life. Without this program, I might not have been prepared for college and likely wouldn’t have been accepted into institutions that previously seemed out of reach. PFF provided me with invaluable resources and unwavering support, helping me to cultivate the skills and confidence necessary to pursue higher education.

In my sophomore year, a pivotal moment occurred during the college tour at the University of Richmond. As we walked across the campus, a realization washed over me—I could envision my future there. It felt like a place where I could truly belong, a potential home where I could thrive academically and personally. I am now committed to the University of Richmond and will be attending in the fall. I discovered a great community within PFF that has truly resonated with me. The friendships and support I’ve received here have been invaluable, creating a sense of belonging I will carry into college and beyond. This experience has deepened my understanding of connection and encouragement, and I’m certain the connections I’ve formed will last a lifetime.

Throughout the college application process and while applying for scholarships, I received incredible support from my mentor, Brenda Lewis. Her guidance was crucial, helping me navigate the complexities of applications and scholarship opportunities. I would also like to thank everyone who helped me, including my amazing parents, family, and friends, and thank you to everyone in PFF. Reflecting on my senior year, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially regarding the scrutiny surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. While it was challenging at times, it also motivated me to advocate for myself and others.

Participating in workshops focused on financial literacy was another vital part of my experience in PFF. These sessions equipped me with essential knowledge about managing finances, budgeting for college, and understanding student loans, all of which alleviated some of the stress surrounding my transition to higher education. I also achieved significant milestones during my final year, including securing three full-ride scholarships. This accomplishment was not merely a reflection of my hard work; it was a testament to the strong network and connections I built throughout my journey with PFF. I owe a heartfelt thank you to those who supported me, especially Kate Bishop, Chantelle Ampah, Staisha Perry, Jasmine Frazier, and Reshaud Rich for their invaluable contributions to my success.