College Now Greater Cleveland

Blake Dixon

In high school, Blake Dixon was told by Brush High School’s academic advisor that College Now would be a good fit. Blake quickly learned that this suggestion was true – not only did his College Now advisor provide much-needed advice on the college search and application process, but he also was able to secure a College Now scholarship for his postsecondary education.

When he started at John Carroll University, Blake didn’t know many other people who were or had been enrolled in college, which could have made his transition from high school to college very challenging. Luckily, Blake had received a College Now scholarship, which not only provided him with financial help, but also paired him with a mentor from the Cleveland area who was able to provide suggestions and support throughout Blake’s transition. Without College Now, Blake knows the transition to college would have been much more challenging, which could have led to receiving lower grades, making fewer friends and generally having lower self-confidence in a new environment. Not only is Blake’s mentor knowledgeable, but he constantly has great advice for Blake on everything from school to internships to life in general.

Wanda Jackson

Wanda Jackson first heard about College Now through her guidance counselor at Shaker Heights High School. With their help, Wanda was able to easily sift through the often-confusing world of financial aid and apply for the renewable College Now scholarship. With the College Now scholarship, Wanda has been able to attend John Carroll University and receive not only financial, but personal assistance every step of the way.

Timothy Platko

Timothy Platko received a College Now scholarship through Jimmy Malone after struggling with paying for his first semester of college, but when he received his scholarship halfway through his freshman year, a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders, as the rest of his collegiate path was instantly more affordable.

Not only did College Now and Jimmy Malone help Timothy financially, but he also received valuable mentorship from Jimmy that assisted him through his transition to college, as well as advice how to make smart decisions to get the most out of his college education. College Now also helped Timothy secure an internship with Third Federal Savings & Loan, which he discovered during College Now’s Career Fair designed specifically for scholarship recipients. This led to another internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers – a career stepping stone that Timothy never might have found without the mentorship and resources of College Now and Jimmy Malone!

Holly Driver

When Holly Driver lost her job as a long-haul truck driver after 14 years, she found herself at a loss. She had dropped out of high school at the age of 16, earned her GED at 21 and believed she was too old to start a new career – as well as not prepared enough to go to college. With some pushing, however, Holly decided to see if she was eligible for the Pell Grant – which she was! Motivated, she took an admissions test at Cuyahoga Community College, testing into Honors English. It was the catalyst for Holly to return to school at the age of 45 and finally earn her degree.

In May 2012, Holly graduated from Tri-C with her Associates of Business degree. She knew she needed more, however, and continued on to Cleveland State University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration, with a minor in theatre arts. However, Holly hit a roadblock during her time at Cleveland State – she had relied solely on the Pell Grant and work-study funding, but found herself needing more financial assistance. She applied for – and received – College Now’s Adult Learner Scholarship, which will make it possible for her to finish her degree and prove to herself that finishing school is possible.

Holly’s ultimate goal is to open a performing arts school that will allow her to give back to the community through building children’s self-confidence, helping with their reading, listening and communication skills, and will give them a sense of self-worth.