Akayla Brown, 18, Secures $2 Million in Scholarships, Embarks on Business Degree Journey at Howard University
Expressing her elation, Akayla shared, "I was ecstatic. I was overjoyed. I was speechless. I couldn’t believe it."Having been accepted to 18 colleges, including Howard University, Temple University, Drexel University, and Penn State University, Akayla plans to major in international business with aspirations to become a global entrepreneur.
Binye-lum 
In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Akayla Brown, a senior at Bodine High School in Philadelphia, has been awarded a total of $2 million in scholarships and is poised to pursue a business degree at Howard University.
Akayla, founder of the nonprofit organization Dimplez 4 Dayz, earned the prestigious Gates Scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a highly competitive award granted to only 300 of 34,000 applicants nationwide this year. This full scholarship covers the entirety of the cost of attendance, not covered by other financial aid, for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors.
Expressing her elation, Akayla shared, "I was ecstatic. I was overjoyed. I was speechless. I couldn’t believe it."
Having been accepted to 18 colleges, including Howard University, Temple University, Drexel University, and Penn State University, Akayla plans to major in international business with aspirations to become a global entrepreneur.
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Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, is not only academic but also altruistic. At 13, she founded Dimplez 4 Dayz, dedicated to uplifting her community through various programs like back-to-school backpack giveaways, turkey drives, CPR certification courses, and initiatives for the homeless.
Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia amidst adversity, Akayla's achievements stand as a testament to her strength of character. "I’ve seen a lot of things that no child should see, but I didn’t let that stop me. I used that as motivation to keep going and to do better," she said.
Acknowledging her mother's pivotal role as a single parent and her source of inspiration, Akayla emphasized the support received from the Gates Foundation. "They’re not just giving me money. They’re giving me a network, a mentorship, a support system. They’re giving me a family," she expressed.
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Akayla's story, a beacon of hard work, determination, and generosity, defies the odds. As she embarks on her academic journey, her narrative serves as an inspiration for others facing obstacles on their path to success.
