During her time at Northwestern, senior Cydney Hope Brown has had opportunities to explore various passions and potential careers — from serving as founding president of the Black Poetry Society to interning at iHeartMedia in downtown Chicago.
A communication studies major and Black studies minor from Philadelphia, Brown has made it a priority to be actively engaged in the Northwestern community. While she credits scholarships with helping her pay for college, programs for first-generation and/or lower-income (FGLI) students have enabled her to thrive.
One such initiative is Northwestern’s Beacon Scholars program. Launched as a pilot in 2019, Beacon Scholars offers one-on-one mentorship from dedicated staff as well as community-building events that help FGLI students bond.
“The scholars program has definitely helped me to get the resources I need on campus, connect with other students and just feel a sense of belonging,” Brown says.
Beacon Scholars enrolls an annual cohort of 30 to 40 undergraduates who demonstrate both leadership potential and a need for academic support. Northwestern’s Forever Shine Campaign will raise funds to fully endow the program and expand it to serve a larger group of students.
“Beacon Scholars not only helps students excel academically but also inspires them to lead, innovate and make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world,” says Susan Davis, vice president for student affairs. “Supporting this transformative program will help shape a brighter future — one where students rise to their full potential as leaders and changemakers.”
Visit giving.nu/Cydney to learn more about Brown and play a video about her.
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