By Laura Fitzgerald
As first-generation college students, sisters Nalani and Paija Broderick have big dreams. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is helping these sisters and many others like them achieve those dreams through its unique approach to college success.
“Typically, scholarship organizations have focused primarily on awarding many small scholarships to numerous students, often exclusively high school seniors. However, our philosophy has shifted. We now prioritize long-term college support and success. This involves offering more impactful scholarships that not only provide students with a strong start but also assist them in overcoming challenges and barriers beyond tuition. These obstacles, such as unexpected expenses, could otherwise hinder a student’s progress and lead to them leaving their institution without a degree or certification,” explains Jessica Flann, Program Manager for Post-Secondary Success.
Nalani is studying psychology at Michigan State University. She plans to become a psychologist.
“I chose psychology because I think it’s very underrepresented in Black culture, especially in my generation,” Nalani said. “I want to be someone that shares mental health awareness with people like me, who are first-generation Black students.”
Paija is returning to school at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) to study nursing. Like her sister, she wants to help people.
“I’ve always viewed myself as one to help others,” Paija said. “It brings me joy to be able to give back to those who are in need.”
“It lifts that stress off my shoulders of, how am I going to pay for books or stuff I would need in class, or things that would make my clinical experience in the nursing program easier for me,” Paija said.
Biancca Broderick, the sister’s mom, said the scholarships provided enough funds so that Nalani doesn’t have to work while in school, which frees up more time and energy to focus on her studies. Biancca described her daughters as intelligent and passionate.
“They’re very passionate about their careers they’re going to go into. They take their homework and their studies very seriously,” Biancaa said. “They know their education comes first no matter what. They know no one can take that education from them.”
Navigating the Scholarship Application Process as First-Generation College Students
Both sisters applied for dozens of scholarships as they brainstormed how to finance their education. Their mother, a medical receptionist, and their father, a military veteran, did not have the opportunity to complete a degree in higher education themselves, although their mother is working towards her associate’s degree in nursing. The sisters appreciated the guidance they received from Foundation staff as they navigated the application process.
“It’s a way of showing gratitude to my parents that they’ve worked so hard to get me through school and to college,” Nalani said. “I can show them with my education their work has paid off, and hopefully, in the future I can do the same for them.”
While the sisters are using additional scholarships, funding sources, and their own savings, the Community Foundation’s scholarships are one more piece in the puzzle to help the sisters finance their schooling.
“Any little bit helps tremendously because when they’re done it’s less debt they don’t have to pay and worry about,” Biancca Broderick said. “They don’t have to graduate and get a job and have the majority of their paycheck go back to the debt.”
Nalani encouraged graduating high school seniors to apply for as many scholarships as possible, even if students don’t meet all the criteria. Some scholarships receive few applications, so each applicant who does apply faces better odds of receiving a scholarship.
Paija encouraged current college students to continue to apply to scholarships while they are in college. She said she often receives emails and notices from SC4 and other sources for scholarships that current nursing students can receive.
More on the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Funds
“We’re fortunate to work with people like the VanderHeuvel and Webb families who believe in investing in the future of our community by creating scholarship funds with the foundation” says Flann. “It’s that kind of generosity that can make a real difference in the lives of deserving students like the Broderick sisters, allowing them to focus on their education and achieve their dreams.”
If you or your family would like to discuss planning a gift for your hometown or your favorite school, visit our website or contact Jackie Hanton at [email protected] or 810-984-4761.
Visit our giving center at https://stclairfoundation.org/giving-center/.