Below are three Penny Program recipients. These three students discuss how they discovered Students United scholarship, and how it has impacted them.

Cara Luebke

My name is Cara Luebke, and I work at AchieveMpls. My passion is working with young people and students in elevating things that they care about in the world. I was in the Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership program at Metro State when I received the Barbara J. Penny scholarship.

From 2014-2015, I served as the Students United State Chair where I had originally learned about the scholarships. One of my favorite duties as State Chair was signing scholarship checks. To have received one myself was amazing! The scholarship was really exciting, because I had never received one for my academics before! It felt like an affirmation of my interest in public service and being community-oriented.

When I was awarded the Barbara J. Penny scholarship, I was so relieved and thrilled. As an undergraduate, I was never someone who did exceptionally well academically. This shifted for me when I went to graduate school and I was a surprised at how emotional it was to receive a scholarship. I think about the gift often, and plan to do good in the world because of it.

Nasra Farah

My name is Nasra Farah and in 2018 I graduated from St. Cloud State University with bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Growing up in Kenya I really wanted to accomplish my dreams of getting college degree. I came to United States when I was 18, alone, without family eight years ago. I have always work almost full time to help pay my school finances . However, for the past two years I was lucky to one of the recipients of Student United scholarships.

The Penny scholarship and Penny Fellowship has helped me to focus on my academic studies and I did not have to be on a financial burden. I also took time to participate in college organizations that has helped me find my internship opportunity and meet other students from different backgrounds. I am thankful for the scholarships that I have received the year 2017 and 2018. I graduated with honor Summa Cum Laude. I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Lea Bergquist

My name is Lea Bergquist. I was interested in this scholarship because of its focus on community service, which is something I pride myself in being involved with. I participate in many different volunteer opportunities through my campus as well as with my sorority, Delta Zeta. Events include volunteering to run campus events, attending service based events, donating to other organizations involved with community service, and volunteering time with my sorority. I believe that I have been very fortunate with the opportunities I have had and want to be able to give back to others and lend a hand when needed. This scholarship has helped me pay for my education and therefore remain active in volunteer organizations.

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