A Scholarship Story Worth Sharing
A scholarship can help make a student’s next step more possible. For Alina L Castro De Jesus, the 2026 Believe in Me Scholarship supports her continued education at Whitman College.
Alina received a $3,000 scholarship through Believe in Me’s 2026 scholarship cycle. Her application record lists a cost of attendance of $11,303, showing how even a smaller financial gap can affect daily decisions about college.
Hear Alina L Castro De Jesus Tell Their Story
What This Scholarship Helps Make Possible
Award: $3,000
School: Whitman College
Recorded cost of attendance: $11,303,
Scholarship support helps students protect time for learning, reduce financial pressure, and stay connected to their education goals.
In Their Own Words
“You do not need to share a detailed trauma narrative,”
A scholarship can help make a student’s next step more possible. For Alina L Castro De Jesus, the 2026 Believe in Me Scholarship supports her continued education at Whitman College.
Alina received a $3,000 scholarship through Believe in Me’s 2026 scholarship cycle. Her application record lists a cost of attendance of $11,303, showing how even a smaller financial gap can affect daily decisions about college.
The Impact of Closing a Financial Gap
Scholarship support does not have to cover every cost to make a meaningful difference. A $3,000 award can help reduce pressure around tuition, fees, books, transportation, technology, housing, or other approved educational expenses.
College affordability is rarely one number. It is a combination of costs students manage throughout the academic year. National pricing data includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses in the full cost of college College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025.
Believe in Me’s current scholarship guidance also takes a student-centered approach. The program tells applicants, “You do not need to share a detailed trauma narrative,” while recognizing that many education-bound young people have faced barriers to opportunity Believe in Me Scholarship Program.
A Community Investment in Education
Believe in Me’s scholarship program serves eligible students age 24 and younger who are beginning or continuing approved postsecondary education, including two-year, four-year, career, trade, and certificate pathways.
That flexibility matters because students’ goals and financial needs are different. Some need help with a large tuition gap. Others need support with required materials, transportation, living expenses, or the ability to reduce work hours during a demanding term.
Alina’s award is tied to a specific student, a specific school, and a specific moment in her education. Donor support helps turn community generosity into direct educational opportunity.
How You Can Help More Students Like Alina
Your gift can help reduce the financial pressure that interrupts a student’s education. Your volunteer service can bring time, expertise, and encouragement to a community built around young people and their goals.
FAQ
Where is Alina L Castro De Jesus continuing her education?
Alina is continuing her education at Whitman College.
How much scholarship support did Alina receive?
Alina received a $3,000 Believe in Me Scholarship for the 2026 scholarship cycle.
References
- Believe in Me. “Believe in Me Scholarship Program.” Current eligibility and scholarship program details. https://www.believeinme.org/scholarships
- Believe in Me Salesforce scholarship records. “2026 Scholarships – Scholarship Application – Alina Castro De Jesus.” Reviewed September 2026.
- College Board. “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025.” 2025. https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2025-final_0.pdf
