Pell Power!

Marcel Schoenhardt/Flickr

I recently applied to the University of the District of Columbia Community College thanks to a Pell Grant that I just received.

I was able to get my Pell Grant after I attended a job fair at 2200 Martin Luther King Avenue on September 13. There I met a man named Kevin Jenkins from the Educational Opportunity Center. He handed me a pen and said to give him a call so I could sign up for a grant through the federal Pell program that helps low-income people obtain post-secondary educations.

When I arrived at Jenkins office, I was surprised to see I was the only one there. Jenkins told me not enough people knew about the center.

I was also surprised at how easy it was to sign up for the grant. Jenkins typed up an application and and in less than ten minutes I had a Pell Grant for $5,500! The only other things I needed to apply at UDC were a sealed and verified official GED transcript and a $35 money order. If you’re a recent high school graduate you don’t even have to pay the $35. Kevin Jenkins was a big help for me when getting my Pell Grant and his services were free! He also said I was so enthusiastic about college that I should be a recruiter for UDC. If you want help applying for a Pell Grant you can make an appointment with Mr. Jenkins at the Educational Opportunity Center at 202-741-4739.

Until I find a career and while I’m going to school I choose to give back to the community. As a wise president once said “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” On September 8 I went to the Pleasant Plains Civic Association meeting held at Banneker swimming pool. This was the first meeting since the summer recess. Steven Johnson of Howard University spoke of the school’s homecoming. Sylvia Robinson had a report on Georgia Avenue activities, including new businesses coming to the corridor. The event was hosted by Darren Jones, President of the PPCA. The next meeting is Saturday, October 13. While I was there I was even asked if I would like to serve on the PPCA board.

I use to be so proud but I’ve learned to show humility. It’s no shame to ask for help, the shame is not getting help when you need it. Help the Homeless help themselves. Buy a Street Sense Newspaper. Thank you for your support.

P.S. I would like to thank Peirce, Cory, Kristine.


Issues |Education


Region |Washington DC

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