Jessica Grantham is an Associate Teacher at Eustis Elementary and, with support from the Manley Scholarship, she is working toward a degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. Her recent thank-you letter beautifully illustrates what educational opportunity and community support can make possible.
Thank you!
I wanted to take a moment to personally express my gratitude for the United Way family and United We Grow™ scholarships, and to share what your support has meant to me.
Receiving these scholarships has meant so much more to me than financial assistance. They came at a time in my life when continuing my education was becoming increasingly challenging, and there were moments when I honestly questioned how I would make it through another semester.
I am a single mother, a full-time student, and someone who has had to balance school, work, my children, and everyday responsibilities. It has not always been easy, but I kept going. Your support gave me breathing room—not once, but twice. It helped relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with staying enrolled and focused on my education while also taking care of my family. More importantly, knowing that people at United Way believed in me and were willing to invest in my education meant something to me personally.
I began my journey at Lake-Sumter State College to create a better future for myself and my family. I earned my Associate in Arts degree in 2022 and continued working toward my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. As I get closer to completing my degree, I can look back and recognize how many times I could have stopped.
But I didn’t.
My goal is not simply to earn a degree. I want to use what I have learned to make a difference in the lives of children and families who may feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or misunderstood. My long-term goal is to build my nonprofit organization, Anchored in Purpose Youth and Family Program, where I will provide support and resources to families, particularly those raising children with behavioral, developmental, or other challenges.
Your investment in me is now part of that story.
You may never see all of the late nights, sacrifices, stress, or moments of doubt that happen behind the scenes for a scholarship recipient. But your generosity can be the encouragement that helps a student keep going when they are wondering how they will make it through.
For me, your scholarships represent opportunity, encouragement, and someone saying, “We believe in you. Keep going.”
Thank you to my United Way family—yes, family—who chose to support and invest in students like me. Thank you for believing in my education, my goals, and the future I am working so hard to build.
I am truly grateful to have the Women of United Way be a part of my college journey!!!
With sincere gratitude,
Miss Jessica Lynn Grantham
Lake-Sumter State College
Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that an investment in education can strengthen not only one person’s future, but also the classrooms, workplaces, families, and communities they serve. Through the Manley Scholarship, Women United helps local women pursue educational opportunities and take meaningful steps toward their goals.