Turning adversity
into possibility
For five 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 didn’t let his life circumstances deter him from a successful academic career and hopeful 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. Not only just there is a way out, but they made me believe in myself when not many others did.”
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. Shortly thereafter, Kayla became responsible for caring for her younger sister and she was forced to mature and grow and become financially responsible.
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 in order to achieve his dream of becoming a public planner.
CELENE
This hardworking and dedicated student is looking forward to giving back to her community
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. Although never homeless, she and her husband struggled and often found themselves making difficult choices with their finances.
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.