Nana Grants offers a multi-generational approach to promoting economic mobility through education. Nana Grants gives single mothers the opportunity for a life-changing post-secondary education. At the same time, Nana Grants ensures that children in poverty receive a high-quality early-education experience.
Amber is the first student at Gwinnett Tech to receive a Nana Grant. She is currently studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She has a 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate spring semester 2018. While Amber focuses on her studies her two-year-old son is enrolled and thriving at the D. Scott Hudgens, Jr. Early Education Center, located on the campus of Gwinnett Technical College. The Nana Grant and other financial support she receives from the Gwinnett Tech Foundation allows Amber to be able to afford quality early childhood education for her son, while investing in her education as well.
Amber shares, “I moved to Georgia 3 years ago from Pennsylvania to pursue my career and make a better life. I don’t have any family here to help with my son. If it weren’t for the Hudgens Early Education Center I would not be able to attend school and get a career to not only make my life better, but most importantly his.” Aur continues, “I was so nervous about finding a daycare center I am comfortable with. The Hudgens Center is the best place for my son while I am at school. I truly enjoy everything about it.”
The at Gwinnett Tech is a rigorous program that requires students to take two registries – Abdomen and OBGYN. But Aur plans to push herself even further to get registered in vascular, pediatrics and breast sonography as well. She says, “All of these areas have great medical advances to help discover and cure pathological diseases early and to save many lives. I hope one day to be a travel sonographer and make a difference all around the world.”
“We are so proud of Amber’s hard work, and it is an honor to support her journey,” says Erica Stephens, Executive Director of Nana Grants. “I founded Nana Grants in honor of my mother and grandmother. They worked together to care for me while mom attended nursing school. It’s especially fitting that our first grant has been awarded to a health sciences student.”
The Nana Grant was gifted through Gwinnett Tech Foundation, which serves to support and enhance higher education at Gwinnett Tech by helping reduce financial barriers students face as they strive to reach their full potential. Mary Beth Byerly, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Gwinnett Technical College says, “Amber is a true example of how talent and tenacity, coupled with educational opportunity can propel an individual economically. Gwinnett Tech is so fortunate to have Nana Grants support for our students. Opportunities such as this scholarship is a real game changer for Amber and her family.”
