Despite persistent narratives questioning the value of a college degree, College Possible students and alumni like Jaaron are showing the power of higher education to uplift entire communities—at a time when it matters most.
Read about his college-going journey and career exploration in his own words (below). Donate today in support of College Possible students like Jaaron to ensure they have the resources and support to navigate the complex higher education system. When students earn their degrees, it has the power to transform students, their families and our shared communities.
“Growing up in Southeast Portland, in an area known as ‘The Numbers’ for its high street numbers and inner-city challenges, I faced an environment where poverty and violence made it difficult to see a way out. At David Douglas High School, many of my peers were caught in the school-to-prison pipeline, and college seemed like an unattainable dream. The last person in my family to graduate from college was my great-grandfather in 1945, and I struggled to believe it was possible for me.
“Despite this, I knew I had to try or risk being trapped in the same cycle that had affected many of those around me. College Possible became the opportunity I needed. When I joined as a high school sophomore, I didn’t know what the ACT or SAT were, or how to apply to college. But my coaches believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They pushed me through ACT reviews, motivated me to apply to colleges, and refused to let me settle for less.
“Their support paid off. I was accepted into Southern Oregon University, Western Oregon University, and Portland State University. I started at SOU, then transferred to PSU after my first year. College Possible not only helped me get there but also kept me in school, covering the costs of transferring and my sophomore tuition. When I was accepted into a study abroad program in Japan at the beginning of my senior year, they guided me through the visa process and covered most of my flight. I spent five transformative months in Japan, from August 2023 to January 2024, becoming fluent in Japanese and expanding my worldview.
“After returning, I graduated and began an internship with the Oregon Community Foundation, focusing on community engagement and equity. This internship led to a full-time role with the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization as a volunteer coordinator for youth programs starting in August 2024. College Possible didn’t just get me to college; it laid the foundation for a career in international development and humanitarian aid. My dream is to work with organizations like Human Rights Watch or Mercy Corps, and eventually contribute to the United Nations’ human rights programs.
“The support I received from College Possible was more than academic. It was about building resilience and confidence. It allowed me to break the cycle and set a new precedent for my family and community. Education became a path to a better life and a tool for advocacy and change. My coaches helped me see that, and it’s a lesson I carry with me as I step into my future, bringing one simple truth: Education is Elevation.”
