Two Tulsa teens have accomplished a big milestone.
Both young ladies are about to become the first in their families to take college courses from a four-year university. But these are not any universities – they are Ivy League schools.
McLain High School sophomore Aaliyah Nelson has been accepted into Harvard's summer school program. Booker T. Washington junior Delashay Lawrence has been accepted into Stanford's summer program.
Both ladies are from north Tulsa, raised in single-parent households by parents who didn't graduate high school.
“This barrier holds a lot of people back, but I refuse to let it hold me back,” Nelson said.
Lawrence added, “You feel like you're not worth it.... doing what you want to do.”
Lawrence says it will cost her $15,000 to attend the Harvard program, and she has to pay $650 of it soon, which will go toward securing housing. Nelson’s tuition is around $12,000 for the Stanford classes.
The students will earn eight credits toward college, giving them a jump start on their continuing education after high school.
Soaring Eagles Youth and Family Services is collecting donations to assist the girls in reaching their dreams. The organization hosts initiatives for at-risk youth and families from low to moderate-income households in the inner city and surrounding areas of Tulsa.
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