Almost four years ago while visiting Jamaica I came across a mother who shared that her son was the valedictorian at his high school graduation that year. I am enthused about young people and education, so I was really excited for both mother and son. Whereas mom expressed much pride in her son’s accomplishment she was daunted by the reality that her hope and dreams for him getting a college education was quite unrealistic, as she had no means of providing the needed funds for college or the possibility of getting a loan to send him. This was disheartening, for not only was the young man academically solid, he held a part-time job as a math teacher at a local school, worked at an internet café in his hometown, and provided tech support for his schoolmates. All while attending high school.

Lincoln University of Missouri Biology sophomore Chevar Carr features in a video produced by the university. He shares his experiences at the university and shares the roles that scholarships and Passport to College played in his success so far.