
Turning adversity
into possibility
For seven years, HIPS has been making post high school education
a reality for homeless and impoverished students. Please take a look
at their stories and join us in creating lasting,
positive change in the lives of others.
Our students are changing their life stories through perseverance and a dedication to
post high school education

NAOMI
A high energy and delightful immigrant from Africa didn’t let her past define her future
Naomi immigrated to Colorado from war-torn Gabon Africa, where she was raised by her mother and experienced a difficult childhood. At the age of 16, she found herself living in a new country with her father and three sisters, where she didn’t know the language or understand the culture.

DJ
He refused to let his difficult life circumstances hold him back from realizing his academic potential and securing a bright future
“I saw the Hide In Plain Sight scholarship as someone making an investment in me. HIPS didn’t just look at me as another homeless kid with little to no odds of making it, but rather got to know me on a personal level and showed me that there is a way out.”

KAYLA
Forced to grow up at a very young age, she recognized that education is the key to a happy future
Kayla spent her early years moving around from place to place while enduring an unstable childhood. At the age of 16, her mother passed away and her father left her to live with her grandparents.

MIKHAIL
An immigrant from Russia now has aspirations for a purposeful career
Mikhail was quite young when his family immigrated to the U.S. from Russia. Due to various factors, his parents found themselves living in poverty and without the ability to provide much for their family. Mikhail took the initiative to fund his post secondary education.

CELENE
This hardworking and dedicated student is looking forward to giving back
Celene was born and raised in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 12. After marrying and having children, Celene chose to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

ARTHUR
“One thing I’ve embraced in this roller coaster of life, is overcoming adversity,” said this HIPS scholar and veteran of the armed forces
Arthur grew up in Plano, Texas and attended community college for a short time, but soon found himself on academic probation, and he was encouraged by his parents to enter the military.

CHANDRA
Her childhood didn’t hold her back from ensuring a positive future for herself and her son
Chandra endured a very difficult childhood of neglect and abuse and spent most of her formative years in the foster care system.

KIMBERLY
This overachiever has high hopes for a bright future and has the determination to make it happen
Kimberly was born in the U.S. but her family moved to Mexico when she was seven years old.

ZOE
Zoe was the first student that was served by scholarships from Hide In Plain Sight. Her story inspired so many to become involved with our organization!
Zoe lost her parents at the age of 14 in a tragic murder-suicide. Following this loss, she dropped out of high school and spent many years in the child welfare system.