Pay It Forward Scholarship Inc
Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students achieve their educational dreams. Founded in 2016 by two high school friends who graduated from the same Illinois high school and Pennsylvania university, the organization was born from a shared desire to give back the support they received during their own educational journeys.
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Originally focused on students from Rich Township District 227, Pay It Forward has since expanded its reach, partnering with schools across the South Chicagoland area to provide financial assistance to minority and underrepresented students.
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In 2023, Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc. became an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, solidifying its commitment to supporting students and communities in need. Through this status, the organization continues to empower students, helping them overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational and career goals.
WHAT WE DO
PHILOSOPHY
Pay It Forward Scholarship, Inc. is dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and empowering high school students that have exemplified academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities. The hope is that recipients will succeed in achieving their career goals and eventually provide the same support for future students. Lend a helping hand and join our efforts today.
Meet The CEO
Briana is a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. During her time at Pitt, she was actively involved in organizations that emphasized leadership, service, and empowerment, and that did not stop once she graduated. Briana’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond her college
years.
In 2016, she co-founded the Pay It Forward Scholarship Award, a philanthropic initiative aimed at empowering high school seniors in the school district of her alma mater, Rich Township District 227. Inspired by the support she received as a student, Briana and her friend launched the scholarship to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students pursuing higher education. To date, the scholarship has impacted the lives of multiple students, helping them overcome financial barriers to achieve their academic dreams.
Professionally, Briana serves as a Pharmacist, leveraging her expertise to address disparities in healthcare. Her dedication to achieving health equity has earned her several awards and recognition, including the prestigious Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Award from OptumRx. Briana is an active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and she is also an active member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of the American Cancer Society Chicago Chapter, where she works to shed light on health disparities and drive systemic reform.
Briana’s philanthropic and professional achievements are fueled by her unwavering belief in the power of mentorship, education, and equity to transform lives. She continues to inspire others to Pay It Forward and create lasting change.
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