Persistence Scholarships Provide Relief for Columbia Students

Ija Wright Columbia College ChicagoPhoto of Marketing Senior I'Ja Wright who is among the 62 Persistence Scholarship Recipients for FY25
Columbia College Chicago supports juniors and seniors through the Persistence Scholarship with funds raised at the college’s annual gala.

Walking across the graduation stage is a moment many college students dream of, marking a pivotal step toward success in their chosen careers. Getting to that point can be challenging for many juniors and seniors who face financial burdens and life stressors that can derail their aspirations.  

For Columbia College Chicago Senior I’Ja Wright, it was a matter of staying on the path to graduate rather than struggling to make ends meet in her final two semesters.  

With the financial support from the Persistence Scholarship at Columbia, Wright was able to stay on track with her coursework and get more involved with the student community on campus. 

“Junior year is always make or break,” says Wright. “You might be hit with an unforeseen circumstance when it comes to financial barriers or family issues or just normal first-generation college student issues.”  

“I was hit with all three,” says Wright. 

Wright is majoring in Marketing and is a member of the Student Organization Council, Black Student Union, and president of Columbia’s Hip Hop Club. The scholarship allowed Wright to become more active as a student, advocate for other students in similar situations, and — most important — stay on track to graduate. 

“This grant has been invaluable in my final year at Columbia College Chicago,” says Wright. “It has alleviated financial stress, allowing me to focus on my studies and immerse myself in leadership roles and creative endeavors on campus.” 

Persistence Scholarships Provide a Lifeline for Columbia Students

Columbia's Persistence Scholarship StatsColumbia awarded 62 students Degree Completion Assistant Grants, also known as Persistence Scholarships, from funds raised at last year’s Unleashed Gala. Forty-two percent of those students are seniorsand havesimilar stories to Wright. For many, the scholarship represents more than just monetary aid; it is a lifeline that provides the confidence and resources to pursue their dreams without the constant worry of financial strain.

Students like Acting Senior Miranda Starke, who juggled a part-time job at Orangetheory Fitness alongside her coursework, could finally dedicate more time to her acting and stage combat projects. And Senior Carolina Reyes, who previously hesitated to even attend college due to financial constraints, is on track to graduate this spring. 

Reyes transferred to Columbia from Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina. Reyes says she had a gut feeling that Columbia was the place for her after walking around campus while visiting Chicago. After three years and a little push from her cousin, Reyes is graduating this spring with a degree in Fine Arts and Immersive Media.

 “One of the reasons I didn’t originally want to go to college was because of the debt,” says Reyes. “But I chose to go and I’m glad I did.This scholarship gives me the opportunity to keep going.” 

As a full-time student who also works full time, Reyes has a packed schedule. That didn’t stop her from participating in the student activations at this year’s gala. Reyes says she is grateful to have this opportunity to not only showcase her art but also advocate for students who are in similar financial situations. Drawing on her background in fine arts, Reyes is creating an interactive art piece that explores themes of human memory and emotion. Alongside her, more than 200 students will collaborate to transform the Student Center into an immersive art experience for the gala. 

“Having the chance to showcase my work at a gala and connect with others in my field is truly invaluable,” says Reyes. “If that opportunity wasn’t presented to me, I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t feel a little sad.” 

With the support of the Persistence Scholarship, Columbia students can transform their dreams into reality, alleviating the financial burdens that often cloud their academic pursuits. No longer burdened by constant worry over tuition and expenses, students like Wright, Reyes and Starke devote their energies to their studies, creative projects, and extracurricular activities that define their college experience.

Learn more about scholarships and financial aid at Columbia College Chicago.

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