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.