Success Awards
Eckerd Connects’ Success Awards help children, youth, and adults overcome barriers by offering them a chance to pursue their education and career dreams! These awards go to help youth and adults who have gone above and beyond to improve their lives through an Eckerd Connects’ program ranging from foster care to Job Corps education and career training, wraparound services, workforce development and more. Our goal is to position these youth and young adults for success.
Success Awards provide at-risk and under-served individuals with up to $5,000 for transitional, vocational, and educational pursuits. We are delighted to share this these videos with you of some of our amazing Success Award winners.
The average Success Award is $2,500 and, for many of these youth, it is truly life-changing as you can see from their stories.
Success Award: Acquisition of Horse-Riding Saddle
Meet Kennedy
Kennedy, a 16-year-old from Trout, La., faced significant trauma and behavioral challenges as a child, including abuse and instability in her family life. Placed with her adoptive mom in 3rd grade, she struggled academically and emotionally, but with the support of tutors, psychiatrists, and her community, she began to progress. Despite setbacks, including hospitalizations, Kennedy persisted in therapy and academic pursuits. Finding solace and purpose in riding horses and barrel racing, Kennedy discovered a lifeline, helping her stay focused on school, her treatment, and her home life. She approached her Eckerd Connects’ Wraparound Services therapist for support in pursuing her passion, aiming to compete in rodeos. Despite her troubled past, Kennedy’s dedication to her therapy and academic responsibilities never wavered. Her journey is one of resilience and triumph over adversity, serving as an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit. Your donation can help others like Kennedy find stability and pursue their passions despite their challenges.
Success Award: Attainment of Driving Instruction and License
Meet Taniyah
At 18, Taniyah, from Lakeland, Fla., became a single mother while still in high school. With the support of Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge program, Taniyah was fueled by her determination to build a brighter future for herself and her infant son, Legend. Seizing every opportunity within the program, she committed to completing physical therapy training upon discharge. Despite transportation challenges, Eckerd Connects supported her through driving lessons, enabling her to obtain her Florida driver’s license. Now, Taniyah can independently attend to Legend’s needs, pursue her career, and bolster her self-worth. Currently residing with her aunt, Taniyah balances her studies for a physical therapy career with contributing to household expenses. Your support can empower others like Taniyah to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Success Award: Purchase of Laptop to Continue Academic Achievement
Meet Emilie
Emilie, a resilient 17-year-old from Vero Beach, Fla., has faced numerous challenges on her path to success. Despite financial strains and struggles within her household of seven, Emilie’s determination has propelled her forward. As the eldest sibling, Emilie was driven to set a positive example for her family and dreams of making them proud. Through Eckerd Connects’ youth workforce development program, she underwent intensive work readiness training, earned her high school diploma, and participated in a paid internship. Combined with her aspiration to become financially self-sufficient and Eckerd’s support, Emilie’s communication skills blossomed and cultivated a strong work ethic. However, her outdated laptop posed a hindrance to her educational pursuits. Through the Success Award, Emilie was able to secure a new laptop. With your help Emilie and others like her overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.
Success Award: Procurement of Laptop for Gaming Development
Meet Karissa
Karissa, a 17-year-old from Ocala, Fla., comes from a low-income, single-parent household with aspirations to pursue a career in the high-demand field of information technology, particularly the art of game development. Financial constraints limited her access to counseling to help address her mental health. Enrolled in one of Eckerd Connects’ youth workforce development programs, Karissa has thrived, benefiting from personalized learning and support. The program has boosted her social skills, self-esteem, and educational experience. Karissa understands the impact of her mental health struggles on her future career and strives to acquire the tools to manage it effectively. Currently pursuing her high diploma, she maintains a GPA of 3.23, finding this educational avenue more suitable for her learning style and mental well-being. Despite challenges, Karissa remains dedicated to her community, mastering the local bus system, assisting others, and actively participating in a Boy Scout Troop, engaging in outings, recruitment, and fundraising projects. Your support can empower Karissa and others like her to overcome obstacles and achieve success.