Real Voices Real Impact
We invite you to discover the transformative power of Rutgers Future Scholars (RFS) through the words of those who know it best—our Scholars and Donors.
From dreams realized to futures reimagined, their stories remind us why our commitment to access and opportunity matters.
Scholar Stories
Yvans Tsague, Class of 2017 RFS Alumni
Yvans Tsague was a member of the first cohort of seventh graders to enter the Rutgers Future Scholars program. He went on to study economics at Rutgers’ School of Arts and Sciences and became an ambassador for the program, mentoring younger scholars and meeting with the program’s supporters.
The full scholarship Tsague received from Rutgers Future Scholars eliminated the need for student loans and motivated him to keep his grades up. But even more valuable to Tsague was how RFS helped him prepare for college and beyond.
“I knew early on that I wanted to earn a college degree. But my family’s finances were limited. So when I was accepted into the Newark Rutgers Future Scholars Program, I understood how the college access and scholarship program could change my life.
In seventh grade I began to prepare for college. Thanks to a four-year full scholarship from the program, I am now working toward a bachelor’s degree in public policy at Rutgers’ Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
It lifted the burden of tuition off my parents’ shoulders and helped me become a first-generation college student, this is the reason Rutgers Future Scholars is the best thing to ever happen to my family.”
Cecilia, Class of 2017 RFS Alumni
Jason Gaines Jr, Class of 2017 RFS Alumni
“My life changed forever when I became a Rutgers Future Scholar in 2008. I was a bold, little 7th grader full of life and attitude who took on a challenge that my family and I had never explored: pursuing a college degree.
Being a first generation college student, conversations about college were not part of my family life, so I looked to the Rutgers Future Scholars program for guidance. I interacted with the staff daily to help with everything from everyday office work to communicating with donors through letters and meetings.
I then became an Ambassador for the program, speaking to donors and business professionals about the great work that the program was doing for me, my family and inner city kids within Rutgers communities.”
Hear From Our Donors
Luke Visconti, Rutgers Alumni
Founder & CEO of FAIR360
It is rare to be able to be part of a program that provides such immediate and personal gratification. I had the opportunity to be part of the first class of Rutgers Future Scholars and saw the students I met as eight graders graduate from Rutgers University this year.
Donating to the program allowed me a window into their lives, to see them grow up and through the mentoring and preparation the program provides, graduate high school and then college. These scholars graduate Rutgers fully prepared to enter the workforce, something that is not very likely for first generation students coming from their economic background.
With your financial help, and as much involvement as you care to give, you can also be a part of this almost miraculous process. You will see the triumphs (and sometimes the tragedies) that these intrepid young people experience. Pioneers in their families – first generation college students – Rutgers Future Scholars intelligently and firmly provides them with the mentoring and preparation that middle-class and wealthy families routinely
provide their children, but most low-income families do not have the knowledge, experience or funds to access and succeed in college.
To be sure, the workload is on the students – they must perform at a Rutgers standard to be admitted and to earn their degree. And they do at an incredible success rate – you will see them transform from tentative children, awestruck by their first visit to a university, into self-confident, well prepared adults.
Donating to Rutgers Future Scholars is a fulfilling, beautiful way to “give back” – to the future of our society. Most of us who attended Rutgers have stories of hard work and sacrifice – this is a way for you to blaze a path for others to do the same. I strongly urge you to donate generously to Rutgers Future Scholars and, to the degree that your time permits, participate in the program.
I promise you an extremely rewarding experience.
Your generous contribution truly makes a difference, as we transform lives, ignite dreams of college, and open up new worlds of possibilities.
Steve Colson, Philanthropist
Founder of Cresthaven Academy Charter School
Steve Colson is not the type of guy who can just write a big check to a charitable organization and walk away. He is the first to admit he does not know how to “partly get involved” when he latches on to a cause. And he has latched on to many.
That’s why over the years, this businessman and philanthropist has had 13 Somali refugees camping out in his three-bedroom home in Warren, N.J., for more than a month, as well as six Vietnamese family members who stayed even longer. It’s the reason why, over the years, he’s helped numerous families in need to pay for surgeries, college-tuition costs and airfare to see their ailing relatives.
“I hate to see somebody that has talent but doesn’t have opportunity,” says Colson. “It’s not fair. I want people to be rewarded for their work and efforts.
So, if you’re willing to work but you don’t have opportunities, I want to give you that opportunity.”
But beyond his monetary support, Colson has given Rutgers Future Scholars unstinting hours of his time. He has participated in every Rutgers Future Scholars event held, including workshops, campus tours, basketball games and career and financial-planning seminars.
“It goes back to fairness,” Colson says. “How can I feel good about being successful if these kids in New Brunswick or Plainfield, right down the road, aren’t getting a good education? It takes away from the joy of my success because it doesn’t seem fair.”
In 2010, Colson was selected as a recipient of the Rutgers University Human Dignity Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the practice of diversity and social justice.
Rutgers Foundation Contact
Eadie Wilson-Beeler
Director of Development
Rutgers University Foundation
Phone: 201-401-3054
Email: eadie.willson-beeler@rutgersfoundation.org