Angelica struggled with multiple issues while a student at Pontiac Academy for Excellence (Pontiac) including homelessness, poverty, depression, and lack of support for her education. Her mentor, Tamara Taylor, prototype build engineer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, never let her have a bad day, helping her see a bright future and put together a plan to overcome her challenges and achieve success. Angelica became the first in her family to graduate from high school and also earned a Winning Futures scholarship. Today she’s a freshman at Saginaw Valley State University where she is studying education and communications.
“During the scholarship banquet, I looked out and saw others with their parents,” said Angelica. “My parents weren’t there, but I saw my support in the Winning Futures staff, my mentor Tamara, and my counselor Mrs. Thomas. I realized that, because of this program, I have the tools and the support to succeed. I know that I’m not going to fall between the cracks of poverty and will instead rise above them.”