High school is a defining chapter in every young person's life-but for students facing personal, academic, or financial barriers, it can be a difficult path to navigate. With the support of CISGG whose mission is to connect resources to at-risk students, Jordan Mayo and Marcus Ward didn't just make it to graduation-they stepped into their futures with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Jordan Mayo: From a Rough Start to a Full Ride

Jordan Mayo admits he didn't start high school with the strongest footing. "My ninth grade year, I was a little rowdy," he recalls. "It kind of messed up my GPA." But everything shifted when he joined the DeJoy Family Foundation Scholarship Program, a scholarship program that helped him find stability, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose.

After joining the program, Jordan earned a spot on the A/B Honor Roll and never looked back. Today, he's preparing to attend Elon University on a $100,000 full scholarship, with plans to major in finance and minor in marketing and psychology.

"I just kept going because I could see people genuinely cared about me," Jordan said. His longtime mentor, Cedric Parker, consistently checked in with him-asking about his mental well-being, his academics, and his family. "That meant a lot. When someone's rooting for you, it's easier to keep pushing."

A first-generation college student and the oldest of three brothers, Jordan is now setting a powerful example-and paving a legacy that's only just beginning

Marcus Ward: Forging His Own Way with Early Graduation and a Trade Path

For Marcus Ward, success meant something different. A middle child of seven siblings, Marcus made the decision to graduate early and begin working-pursuing real-world experience while planning to attend GTCC to learn a trade. "I wasn't planning on graduating early," he said. "But I realized I had everything I needed, and I wanted to work."

Like Jordan, Marcus found crucial guidance in the nonprofit's mentoring program. His mentor, Mr. Antwyan Jones, met with him regularly during high school-checking in not just on homework, but on life. "He doesn't feel like a mentor," Marcus said. "He feels like a family member."

Mr. Jones encouraged Marcus to keep moving forward, supporting his interests-whether it was basketball or science-and helping him stay grounded and inspired. "He never pushed me too hard, but he always made sure I was working toward something," Marcus shared.

Though he's still exploring career options, Marcus has a natural curiosity, especially for science. "Science is never-ending. That's why I like it. There's always something new to learn."

The Power of Connection

Jordan and Marcus represent different paths-but their stories share a common thread: the power of connection, consistency, and belief. With the right support, both young men transformed their potential into progress.

As the nonprofit continues its mission to connect resources to at-risk students, these two success stories stand as living proof that when students are seen, supported, and heard-they don't just stay in school. They thrive beyond it.

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