Student Stories

People who have received scholarships while attending Houston Community College know firsthand how much a scholarship can help students complete their higher education.

Here are just a few of their stories:

"I have found that when you step out in faith, people will help you along your path. I was highly honored to receive a scholarship that allowed me to work part-time while attending school full-time."

Jennifer Beazley, Nursing Student
HCC Scholarship Recipient
Home: Houston

As a single mom, Jennifer Beazley wasn't sure how she would realize her dream of going to college. Even with a full-time job, there wasn't much money left over for tuition or books.

But when her son started kindergarten, Jennifer decided she simply had to find a way to go back to school. "It was easy to get discouraged, but I had to conquer my fears," she says. "I knew that getting an education for myself was the only way I could make sure my son had an opportunity to go to college himself someday."

Today Jennifer is taking a full course load at HCC's Stafford campus while working two part-time jobs. Financial aid covers a portion of her college expenses. And a George Foundation scholarship through the HCCS Foundation helps pay for remaining expenses and her textbooks, which can cost nearly as much as tuition and fees (Jennifer's used anatomy textbook alone cost $130).

"I have found that when you step out in faith, people will help you along your path," she says. "I was highly honored to receive a scholarship that allowed me to work part-time while attending school full-time."

Despite her busy schedule, Jennifer has managed to maintain a 4.0 grade point average. She has nearly completed her core classes, after which she will enter a bachelor's degree in nursing program.

"I'm excited," she says. "I definitely feel like nursing is where I belong, and I plan on going as far as I can."

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