Meet the winners
With more than 100 scholarships awarded since 1988, HOPE Network is proud of our role in families’ futures. With help from HOPE Network, women are inspiring their children, completing degrees, and building family-supporting careers.
Our 2019 winners represent diverse circumstances, institutions, and areas of study. Keep reading for their stories.
Margie Albizures
Rachel Holley Sciortino Educational Grant
Marquette University
Criminology & Law
Margie persevered through pregnancy in high school. She aims to become a criminal lawyer and work to "reform the criminal justice system." Read Margie's story in a future issue of HOPE Network News.
Kayla Davis
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
UW-Milwaukee
Community Engagement
Kayla's life has changed since becoming a mother but she remains devoted to her education. She says, "Let your child be the fire that drives you to reach your goals, and in the end, you both will appreciate the journey as well as the end result." Read Kayla's story in a future issue of HOPE Network News.
Jessica Derosier
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
UW-Milwaukee
Biological Science
Jessica became a single mother after her husband, a veteran, lost his battle with PTSD.
Read Jessica's story.
Melinda Gayle
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
Alverno College
Nursing
Melinda is determined to complete her education. She says, "Even though I knew this road was not going to be easy, I was determined not to break or give up." Read Melinda's story.
Kiya King
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
Alverno College
Nursing
Kiya King
Cardinal Stritch University
Business & Management
Joana Lozano
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
MATC
Registered Nurse
Nigeria Smith-Beckom
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
MATC
Surgical Technician
After becoming a mother of 19, Nigeria stayed driven to pursue her education. She says she chose to become a surgical technician because, "I LOVE being able to help others and put a smile on their face." Read Nigeria's story in a future issue of HOPE Network News.
Chassidy Sparkman
Edmund Springman Educational Grant
MATC
Dental Assistant
Chassidy and daughter Lauren enjoy reading together, going to the park and playing dress-up. She encourages other single mothers to take time for self-care. Read Chassidy's story.