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 From the moment Chloe Collins stepped onto her college campus, she knew she wanted to make a difference for others. Chloe was excited to begin her time at Hamline University and she quickly decided to double-major in Psychology and Spanish.
However, as many of us, as she began her college journey, Chloe faced several challenges. These included how to balance different types of responsibilities, navigating complex financial aid systems, and paying for college with a limited family income. She said, “Every year, my costs would increase and the gap I had to cover became bigger.” Fortunately, being a Wallin scholar meant that she had financial support and a network of people to help her reach her goals. In addition to receiving financial aid every semester, Chloe worked closely with her Wallin advisor who helped address her concerns. “My advisor helped me navigate my financial aid, understand my financial aid package, and resolve any gaps.” Chloe tells us: “I started college very shy. College allowed me to try new things, get involved, and take on leadership opportunities.” Chloe soon became involved with the Black Student Alliance where she built meaningful connections, and found new opportunities. Chloe shared, “College wasn’t just a time for me to learn; it was also a time to unlearn. There was so much I had not been taught as a Black woman." After completing her degree from Hamline, Chloe pursued a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University. Today, Chloe helps other students access a college education. She serves as a College Access Manager at the Henry Street Settlement in New York. Chloe knows first-hand the challenges students face when working towards their college degree. She is passionate about helping students remove barriers to accessing college and helping more students reach their dream of completing their college education. When asked what she would tell our Wallin scholars, she shared: “You are more amazing than you think you are. You will surprise yourselves in a year when you do something you didn’t even know you were capable of.” Thank you Chloe for sharing your story with us and being a part of our Wallin EP community!  As we celebrate our 2020 WEP Scholars we want to recognize our excellent community partners. One of our strongest relationships is with Genesys Works, a national non-profit, that provides pathways to careers for high school students in underserved communities, especially through paid business IT internships. As part of GW, students receive skills training, meaningful internships, as well as college and career coaching. Genesys Works has been very helpful in sharing information with students about our four-year and two-year scholarships. Since 2013, 89 of our scholars have also been GW students. Starting in 2015, Wallin EP has administered a unique scholarship for Genesys Works students – the Think IT Young Professionals program. This scholarship supports and empowers existing GW college students who have completed one year of college and are pursuing a degree in an IT field. “Wallin Education Partners depends on positive and trusting relationships with organizations that share our mission of educational opportunity and college and career success for students with financial need. Genesis Works is a highly effective organization that delivers positive change for students and our community. They are also great colleagues and wonderful leaders. The WEP/GW partnership is proof positive that collaboration can increase impact.” - Susan Basil King, Executive Director of Wallin Education Partners “Our partnership with Wallin Education Partners has proven increasingly valuable for our Genesys Works young professionals. We are thrilled that this year alone, 19 of our students will receive financial aid and access to additional college and career support and professional development opportunities. The impact that we and Wallin seek to make becomes that much more powerful when students have not one but two networks of individuals supporting them in their journeys to career success.” - Karen Marben, Executive Director of Genesys Works Twin Cities Posted on July 10, 2020
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