What happens when a scholarship covers the costs that financial aid leaves behind

By E. Lydell Carter
Lead Postsecondary Partnerships Manager
New Visions for Public Schools

Since 2009, New Visions for Public Schools has harnessed philanthropy to award nearly $10 million in scholarships to graduates from our affinity network of high schools. The individual scholarships range in size from $20,000 to $2,000. 

Given the cost of college tuition – from $8,000 a year at CUNY to nearly $70,000 a year at NYU – you might wonder what difference $2,000 could make. But for many first-generation college students from low-income households, they qualify for financial aid that covers the cost of tuition. What makes college still unattainable for so many of these students is all the additional expenses. It’s not just the essentials like a laptop, housing, and food. It’s also membership dues for student organizations, professional attire, travel to internships, and other expenses that allow a student to participate fully and equitably in college life. 

There’s also the opportunity cost. To fill in the gaps, many students have to take on part-time jobs, limiting their availability for internships, extracurriculars, and leadership positions that would advance them in their careers. 

New Visions’ three scholarships give hundreds of students the chance to be full-time students: to devote themselves to their studies and academic pursuits and emerge from college as competitive candidates in their fields. 

In my role at New Visions, I have the honor of emceeing the annual induction ceremony for Beattie Scholarship recipients. Every year, since the scholarship launched in 2022, we invite a previous awardee back to give remarks. This past spring, our first cohort of Beattie Scholars graduated from college. A remarkable young man named Tirell Spence joined us to reflect on what the scholarship meant to him. His own words illustrate better than anyone’s how the scholarship paid dividends not just financially, but in confidence, opportunity, and motivation.

Reflections from a 2022 Beattie Scholar

“Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Tirell Spence.

“I am the son of Jamaican immigrants, and I grew up in Jamaica, Queens. In my neighborhood, we talk a lot about ‘the hustle’, the drive to work hard and make something of yourself. But as I stand here tonight, I am standing as a symbol of a different kind of ‘hustle.’

“I am speaking to you as a member of the Class of 2026, graduating this month from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Computer Science.

“I brought this cap tonight because it represents more than just four years of late-night coding and complex algorithms. It represents a journey that started in Queens and is culminating here, thanks to the support of the donors and the New Visions community.

“Before I go further, I want to look at the new scholarship recipients here tonight…any say, Congratulations!

“You are at the beginning of a path that I am just finishing. Right now, you might be feeling the weight of the expectations on your shoulders. My advice to you is simple: Use this gift. This scholarship is your permission to be a student first. It is your invitation to excel without apology.

“When I first started at NJIT, I knew that a degree in Computer Science would be my ticket to a better future. But I also knew the reality of the costs. But for many students, the pressure to work a full-time or even part-time job just to stay enrolled is a constant worry. It’s hard to master data structures or software engineering when you are worried about how to cover next month’s tuition.

“Receiving this scholarship changed my entire trajectory. It removed that pressure. Because of the donor’s generosity, I didn’t have to split my focus between a workplace and a classroom. I was able to dedicate myself fully to my labs, my projects, and my growth as a developer. You didn’t just give me money; you gave me the freedom to be the best student I could possibly be.

“We are now in May. This is the month I have been working toward since I left Queens for Newark four years ago. In just a few days, I will walk across that stage. When I do, I’ll be thinking about my family’s roots in Jamaica and the sacrifices they made so I could have this opportunity. But I’ll also be thinking about the donors, the folks at my old high school and New Visions who stepped in to ensure that my potential wasn’t limited by my bank account.

“Because of this community and my hard work, I am graduating from NJIT ready to take on the tech world. I am entering the workforce not just with a degree, but with the confidence that comes from knowing a community has my back.”

“To the donors: Thank you for investing in the kid from Jamaica, Queens. You helped turn a dream into a career.

“Look at this cap. This will be you. Stay focused, stay driven, and remember that you have a whole room of people rooting for your success.

“My name is Tirell Spence, NJIT Class of 2026, and I am proud to be an example of what happens when opportunity meets investment.

“Thank you, and have a wonderful afternoon.”

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