Homeless Teen Named Valedictorian, Awarded $3M in Scholarships

A high school valedictorian from Tennessee received $3 million in college scholarships amid his family's struggle with homelessness after the death of his father. "Never let your current situation...be a mountain that you can't climb," he says.

In this day and age when some parents have to buy their children’s way into college, a homeless student, in contrast, is receiving millions in offers to attend college.

$3 MILLION REASONS TO GO TO COLLEGE

Tennessee high school student Tupac Mosley who graduated at the top of his class is on his way to a very bright future. According to a report by Fox 13, he managed to acquire $3 million worth of scholarships from more than 40 colleges. The feat in itself is impressive but even more inspiring knowing that the 17-year-old accomplished this while struggling with homelessness.

“I knew that their investment was worth it that and just show them that, yes, everything that you poured into me was worth $3 million and counting.”

STRUGGLING WITH HOMELESSNESS

After Mosley’s father passed away, his family grappled with bills and was evicted from their home earlier this year. They moved from home to home until nonprofit, For The Kingdom stepped in. The organization allowed Mosley’s family to live in a camping site as part of its mission to prevent urban teens from straying.

“Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through be a mountain that you can’t climb.”

A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT

During his valedictory speech at Raleigh Egypt High School, Mosley, who has a 4.3 GPA, thanked For the Kingdom for helping him realize his dream of going to college.

“I knew that I had to make them proud,” he said, addressing his principal and teachers as well. “I knew that their investment was worth it that and just show them that, yes, everything that you poured into me was worth $3 million and counting.”

Mosley intends to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and has decided to earn it at Tennessee State University in Nashville.

His mindset today, which he shares with others is, “Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through be a mountain that you can’t climb.”

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

Mosley’s journey is similar to New Jersey teen Dylan Chidick who was accepted in 17 colleges in spite of homelessness. Likewise, recent graduate Rasheda Melson now boasts of a degree from Georgetown University despite struggling with adversity.

These students all believe that nothing is impossible as long as one strives to fulfill their dreams. Education is one great way to achieve that and because it’s accessible, a bright future is within anyone’s reach.