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Testimonials

Through the years, Project GRAD has made available resources to me that have furthered my education and supported my professional growth.
Shawn Hatmaker, Knoxville
I’m not the first in my family to graduate from high school or college. In my family, it’s assumed that you will go on to obtain a higher degree after getting your Bachelor’s degree. Because it was always assumed and quietly expected, I never received much insight or encouragement from my family. This is where the value of Project GRAD truly shines. The Project GRAD family does not only concern itself with where you’ve been or where you plan on rooting your dreams. They care about you as an individual first and foremost. I was encouraged as much as my peers, and my achievements were celebrated to the same degree of enthusiasm as theirs. They didn’t assume or quietly set expectations—they shared my hopes and openly encouraged me along the way. This helped me to foster a deeper appreciation for education and educators in general—so much so that I hope to help educate urban youth after I obtain my Master’s degree. Not every school is gifted with the invaluable resource and genuine staff that Project GRAD provides its community with, so I’m that much more thankful to have my share of this experience.
Sharena Domingo,
The greatest weakness of a student lies in giving up. The strength of that student is seen when he/she is ready to try once again. Dear students, failures are just the stepping stone of success. If you fail 10 times, be ready for an achievement 11th time.
Jasmine Siler,
We're SO lucky to have Project GRAD! Their work is beyond valuable with our students!
GRAD High School Teacher,
Along with my family, Project GRAD has been an excellent support system. Whether it was helping in a class that I was struggling in or helping me with my financial aid, Project GRAD has always been there for me. Because of Project GRAD, I have obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Bria Collins,
Project Grad provided me the first wave of exposure to the collegiate experience. Prior to Project Grad, college was simply a thought…after Project Grad, college was “the next step.” Because of this motivation…I took a risk continuing my education miles and journeys away from home in order to pursue the life God drew up for me. The seed that Project Grad planted in me to pursue higher education has lead me to a land full of opportunities in which I became an “opportunist.” Now I am a husband, father, educator, and coach with a bachelors and master’s in education. Thanks for the investment Project Grad.
Ashford Collins, Kansas City, KS
Project GRAD pushed me through high school and undergrad just so I would be able to experience by far the best feeling ever—becoming Jenae Antoinette Anderson, J.D., future esquire.
Jena'e A. Anderson, J.D., Knoxville
When I became a Project Grad Scholar I had no idea what I was really getting into, until I completed my first summer back at Pellissippi. It was then when I realized that I had made a lifetime commitment to excellence and success. Project Grad gave me the tools and courage to go above and beyond what I thought I would never be capable of doing, which was "not just going but finishing." Going from a student at Fulton to a college student at East Tennessee State University, Project Grad never left my side. I will be forever grateful to Project Grad for all the love and support that they have blessed me with.
Blake Humphrey,
Because of Project GRAD, I was able to graduate with my bachelors in exercise science from Lincoln Memorial University. Because of them, I am now one of the assistant basketball coaches for the women's team at Walters State Community College. Thank you Project GRAD!
Breona Hall,
Don’t allow the pressures of your peers make you feel as if you should be ahead of where you are in life. Everything happens in God’s perfect timing. It took me 10 years to complete college; now I’m doing what I love. I needed life’s experiences over the past 10 years to prepare me for where I am and where I am headed! Stay encouraged!!!!
Jenaiya A. Coleman,
roject GRAD is a great asset to Fulton High School and you help a lot of students who are struggling with life outside of school.
GRAD High School Teacher,
Project GRAD has been very helpful since I got involved with them in high school. They helped me get through Pellissippi State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. They are always there for you when you need them. They send information about scholarships throughout the semester. If you're going through something and need somebody to talk to you can always call them. They also keep in touch with you and help you any way possible. They are family and very supportive.
Brett Cornelius,
Project GRAD was able to help me go to college for free!!! I am so very grateful that I am not up to my ears in student loans while searching for what I want to do with myself for the rest of my life. All students need to take advantage of this opportunity and give college a try. Project GRAD makes it possible for anyone to get a higher education. Thank you for the opportunity to get a firm stepping stone into college a getting an associates in science!
Kassandra Armstrong, Knoxville
Project GRAD has been an invaluable tool to my academic success, both before and during my collegiate career. The staff is always supportive and interested in my goals, wants, and needs. Financially, it has provided me the opportunity to pursue my post- secondary education. Thank you PGK for everything!
Channing Sosville, Knoxville
I am grateful for what Project GRAD has done for me. Project GRAD not only gave me the opportunity to attend college but the blessing of finding myself. I trust myself, have confidence in myself, and most of all love myself. Thank you Project GRAD for allowing me to grow into this woman that I absolutely love.
Courtney Winston,
The Project GRAD family has always been there to help guide me through whatever it was I needed. I am very thankful to have them in my life.
Miracle Harper, Knoxville
I'd like to thank everyone who is apart of PG. The activities and summer events helped prepared me for school. The feeling of having class all day, to extracurricular activities and distractions. Even though I never finished for my bachelor's at UTC, they still encouraged me to finish at Pellissippi.
Aryiane LaShon Carrington,
As a mother it was such a blessing to see so many Project GRAD Scholars walk the stage on Saturday, May 13, 2017 for the Commencement Program at the University of Tennessee Arts and Science. Thank you Project GRAD for dedication to our children.
Tamika Blair,
Because of Project GRAD, I was able to graduate from the University of Tennessee with my degree in arts and sciences. Project GRAD has had a generous hand in shaping my life through the university experience.
Daniel P. Mathewson, Knoxville
Project GRAD pushed me to keep going no matter what over the years even after I had my son. I finally graduated with my Bachelors of Science in exercise science with a minor in dance. There is always someone to help guide me through even if it's educational or personal and I appreciate them. Project GRAD isn't just a organization it's a family.
Dominique Sims,
Project GRAD has been an essential tool for college, dating back to my high school days. They are helpful in keeping me on par to realize my educational and career goals. G.R.A.D. is always there make sure we continue to find success and also find ways to see how they can help us monetarily. I owe a huge portion of my success to the Project G.R.A.D.
Gabriel Figueroa,
Project Grad made the thought of going to college a reality. Instead of being something I “might do”, they took all doubt away and it became something I “will do”. They expect nothing but the best from us and provide the tools to make college goals easier to achieve.
Rilesha Holloway,
Project GRAD has been a huge part of my college success! There have been many times when I didn't have money and GRAD came to feed us and give us supplies! I'm forever grateful for the extra help and willingness to go beyond the scholarship. Without GRAD I wouldn't be able to make more connections with Austin East, and help the see their potential. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!
LeChon Cole, Murfreesboro, TN
Project GRAD has played a great role in getting me to where I am now. The staff members have opened so many doors for me and helped me in numerous ways.
Jayla Chandler, Knoxville
Project GRAD has always been a place of support. True, the summer institutes and scholarship were instrumental in my educational growth, but the real impact came from the relationships of those that poured in to me and were a constant source of encouragement.
Kensey Zimmerman,
Because of Project GRAD, I believed I was college-bound. Then, I developed the confidence to step out of my comfort zone, knowing I had support back home. Now I am in Japan as an English teacher.
Timothy Anderson, Knoxville
Without Project GRAD, I don’t know if I would have passed a couple of my classes in college. The help that Ms. Annette provided gave me a boost and the motivation to continue. Thanks for all the assistance PGK team!
James Collins, Texas
When I think of Project GRAD, many words come to mind: friendship, providers, motivators, educators, mentors, and guides.
Zachary Zialcita, Knoxville