Dear Friends,
This year, Mission Graduates is celebrating its 40th anniversary! For four decades, we have worked tirelessly to increase the number of K-12 students in San Francisco’s Mission District who are prepared for and complete a college education.
Mission Graduates has transformed the lives of thousands of young people who are the first in their families to go to college.
Let me share with you the story of one of our recent graduates – Makda Beyene, who credits Mission Graduates for helping her on this path to success. Here is her story:
“My family immigrated from Eritrea with the hopes of a better life for me and my siblings. Within two weeks, we were homeless. We spent Thanksgiving in a park, instead of having a warm meal like other families. I decided to take the responsibility of finding a house for my family. I found a temporary place, but my ultimate goal is to find a permanent home for them. Through all of this, I was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA. I aspire to become a doctor and make the most out of my life by helping my family end the struggle of poverty and homelessness.”
Makda is grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and knowledge she received at Mission Graduates. She says, “Not having a place to stay after school encouraged me to join Mission Graduates, which helped me give back to my community and changed my life.” Makda started as a peer educator, showing powerful leadership and team-building skills, and spent several years talking to other youth about the great opportunities college can offer.
Through the support of Mission Graduates, Makda will be attending the prestigious Pitzer College in Southern California with a full scholarship as a deserving recipient of the 2012 Gates Millennium Scholarship.
To read more about Makda Beyene’s story in a recent San Francisco Examiner Article CLICK HERE.
At Mission Graduates, we want to ensure that more young people like Makda realize their college dreams.
In order to achieve our goals, we look to deepen our partnerships with the community. Can you make a personal gift today to help the next generation of young people in the Mission overcome adversity and fulfill their aspirations of attending college? Is there a future Millennium Scholar, Nobel Prize winner, or U.S. Senator you will help reach to achieve their dreams?
Your gift of any amount will have a big impact. The time to give is now. Click this link DONATE NOW to make a secure online donation.
If you believe in helping young people reach for and attain their college dreams, then support Mission Graduates today. With your help, think of how many youth we can reach!
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Lisa Thompson
Board President