First Literacy scholarships are truly transformative—for adult learners, their families, and the communities that rally behind them. Education is a pathway to opportunity, yet the cost of pursuing higher education places that path out of reach for many adults. First Literacy scholarships help remove those financial barriers, opening doors that once felt impossible to unlock. When our community comes together to support adult learners, the impact reaches far beyond one classroom—it changes futures.
Dania’s Story
Dania’s path to higher education has been filled with roadblocks; she is a single mother to three daughters, English is her second language, her parents are unable to read, and she is the first in her family to attend college. Finishing her degree and owning a home are two of Dania’s goals, however improving the lives of her daughters is what drives her.
“Throughout my educational journey, I have faced several obstacles, including language barriers, financial challenges, and the difficulty of balancing work, kids, and school responsibilities. Each obstacle has taught me perseverance, time management, and the importance of believing in my ability to succeed.”
In 2023, Dania was awarded a scholarship from First Literacy. The scholarship was life-changing, providing Dania with the opportunity to get one step closer to dream. In the spring of 2024, she proudly graduated with her associate degree in business administration from Middlesex Community College and was honored with the Excellence Award for Business Administration Transfer, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and commitment to their field of study. She is currently attending UMass Boston, working towards her bachelors degree in Management Finance.
“The First Literacy Scholarship has changed my life by easing my financial stress and giving me the confidence to pursue my educational and career goals. It allowed me to focus more on my studies and professional growth.”
According to the National Institute of Health, “a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income”. Dania’s hard work is improving opportunities for herself and opening the doors widely for her daughters.
“After I discovered that I am my girls’ role model and they copied me in every move, I decided to use that to improve their lifestyle, education, and goals. After I started my educational path, I noticed that my girls are talking more about their goals, college choices, and careers. Most importantly they are more than ever confident while talking to me and asking me for help with their homework.”
First Literacy provides funding for adult learners to attend higher education and vocational training and offers support to address issues outside the classroom that may interfere with their success. These hard-working students are identified and nominated by their Adult Basic Education programs as students who have overcome great obstacles and are most likely to succeed in their goals.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, First Literacy offered scholarships to 26 adult students pursuing their educational goals.