Scholarships

Brandy Harvey

Brandy Harvey is an undergraduate student at the University of California San Diego pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Practice Arts (a combination of Studio Arts and the study of social justice issues and advocacy). She spent 11 years in foster care in three states.

After adopting a parrot at risk for euthanasia due to behavior issues, Brandy developed a strong sense of urgency to help animals. She also recognized the connection many animals have with the foster youth experience. Her goal post-graduation is to work with an organization that gives shelter animals at risk for euthanasia to incarcerated individuals, as it will allow her to assist both animals and former foster youth. She currently works with several nonprofits advocating on social justice issues as well as serving as a volunteer animal rescuer in San Diego.

Christella Jeanpierre

Christella Jeanpierre is a graduate student pursuing a master of social work and a master of
public administration joint degree at Florida State University. She is a house manager at
Southern Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides rent-free housing to
college students who experience financial insecurity. She also works full-time as a Hope
Navigator in the Office of Continuing Care at the Florida Department of Children and Families,
where she helps connect former foster youth with independent living services to help them
transition into adulthood.

She recognizes that she wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the support received along the
way, so she aspires to use her experience to advocate for resilience-based practices to
support vulnerable youth.

Justin Light

Justin Light is a student at Cal State San Marcos majoring in Wildfire Science. His aspiration is to become a Firefighter Paramedic. Justin currently works full-time on an ambulance as a paramedic while balancing his job with school, and hopes one day to be hired on to a Fire Department. In his free time, he enjoys working out and exploring the outdoors. Justin is passionate about serving the community and wants to help people at a moment’s notice when it matters most.

Alyssa Nieves

Alyssa Nieves is a senior at Cal State University San Marcos, majoring in Psychological
Science and double minoring in visual and performing arts and art and visual culture studio.
After becoming a single mom at eighteen, she made a commitment to her son and herself to
pursue a career giving back to others. As an undergrad, Alyssa has conducted research on
harm reduction to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and currently interns as an ally of
Project Rebound, supporting formerly incarcerated students. After she graduates, she will
pursue a Master’s degree to become a trauma informed licensed therapist working with
individuals from sensitive backgrounds.

In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her son, live music, embracing creativity and
being one with nature. She values developing a stronger sense of self and connection. During
her teen years she remembers feeling misplaced, lacking stability and struggling with her
mental health. Her past experiences inspire her to advocate for others and help whenever she
can.

Stella Watson

Stella Watson an incoming freshman studying Human Development and Family Sciences at Cal State Monterey Bay. Because of her time in the system, she aspires to be a social worker or school counselor in hopes to be a resource for foster youth.

Stella’s experiences growing up have caused her to want to help anyone who is currently in the system, and to offer them opportunities to flourish through such difficult times. She plans to leave college with a degree and hopes to become a high school volleyball coach as well. Sports have been a huge part of her life and she hopes to be a light for other athletes.