We wanted to reach out to you to share about a very special student at UrbanPromise Trenton. This student is Winefred Tweh. If you have been part of our UPT family, then you know Winnie. You know she attended the first Summer Camp in 2011 and has been at UPT since. You have seen her grow from a 7-year-old into a sophomore in high school who serves as one of our most dedicated StreetLeaders.
This spring Winnie shared with our StreetLeader Director, Camp Truth, Elyse Smith and our Program Director, Michael Lovaglio, that she was experiencing significant bullying at her high school. Her mother who is an active participant in her children’s lives, contacted the school, and, after nothing changed, we reached out to the school. Unfortunately, the school does not have a true anti-bullying program and Winnie continued to face bullying but said “I will just handle it.” But we could all see the effect it was having on her.
Working with Michael and with the approval of her mom, we looked at private high schools. In due course Winnie applied and was accepted at Notre Dame High School with a $5000 yearly academic scholarship based on her 3.91 GPA to offset the yearly cost. She is enrolled and, yesterday ordered her school uniform. This move will be a life changer for Winnie. And at UPT we are 100% behind Winnie.
But we need your help. Winnie’s tuition will be about $800 a month, September to May. With a contribution from UPT staff members-our entire staff is donating- we still need $400 a month to meet the cost. Would you consider a recurring donation to help us meet that $400?
We understand that everyone has financial obligations, perhaps a $10, $25 or $50 monthly payment will softer on the budget or a one time donation will help as well. This will be a real team effort to ensure that this young adult has the chance to learn in a healthy environment in a school that has a strong anti-bullying culture, a rigorous college bound academic environment and dedicated staff who are attentive to their students.
We understand it is a big ask of people who already give so much to UPT. And we realize this a unique situation- we can’t be in the business of covering the costs of private school for our students, and this is not something we will make a regular practice. But you know Winnie, like we do. and for the UPT Team, we cannot do anything BUT help her. As the year goes on, we will work to find outside funding to support her through her junior and senior years, but this year, this pivotal year in Winnie’s life, it’s up to us.
Thank you for your kind consideration of this request. We know you are with us each day as we strive to meet our mission to serve the children and teens of Trenton.
With deep gratitude,
The UPT Team
Are you sure?
