Congratulations to our 2021 graduates!

As an undergraduate, Jada Cuttriss majored in Social Work with a business minor in Civic Leadership and a certificate in Child Abuse and Neglect.

After being a part of the Fostering Success (now THRIVE) program, Jada was awarded the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarship in 2017.

Coming from a small town, this scholarship helped her transition to college by giving her a sense of community that supported and joined her in her journey of self-growth and provided direction towards her goals. While using to her advantage the resources we provide such as mentoring and tutoring, Jada was not only able to succeed academically, but also play an number of leadership roles on campus and gain experience with various community organizations. 

In 2018, Jada received a national award by FosterClub for advocating for foster youth and was also selected as a reviewer for the Administration for Children & Families’ National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD).

Her network connection with Shane Shepard, a speaker at the Fostering Success program, provided the opportunity to work in her current position. She works as a mentor at B4U Fall, a nonprofit organization for impoverished youth. She seeks to give back to the community and gain cultural understanding and experience with the youth.

Moving forward, Jada Cuttriss has been accepted into the 12-month MSW program at IUPUI where she will continue her studies and advocate for poverty rights. 

Deanna Voisard is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

Learning about the scholarship through Ivy Tech, Deanna came to IUPUI and became a Nina Mason Pulliam Scholar in 2018. Being on her own, the effects of the scholarship has brought her insight, guidance, and hope for her future despite her past circumstances.

The First Year Seminar class has had the greatest impact on her due to its design to implement community, volunteering, interdependence, and self-discovery curriculum.

This scholarship has been a fresh start for Deanna to find and embrace her own path. She had a work-study position as an academic mentor with the Bepko Learning Center where she managed tutoring sessions for Biology.  

Deanna did an undergraduate research project with Dr. Randall Roper on genetic mutations in rats gave her the opportunity to become passionate in biology and genetics.

As of now, Deanna Voisard is being offered a microbiologist position with the Indiana State Health Department where she will be studying COVID variants. Moving forward, she plans to obtain a graduate degree in Genetic Counseling.