Let's Help Courtnie Soar As A Vanderbilt Commodore

Hello,
My daughter Courtnie Taylor recently graduated from Hillsboro High School with a special needs diploma. Courtnie was born with a rare disorder called Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music. Throughout Courtnie’s life she faced many adversities and discrimination as a result of surgeries from her disability. Despite these challenges, Courtnie has been able to overcome so much. She learned to use her voice to advocate for kids with specials needs and showed them that a person can do anything they set their mind to do. Courtnie excelled as a varsity cheerleader at Hillsboro High School for 4 years and exercised another talent by learning to play the flute in a distinct, unique way. People often say Courtnie has a personality that can light the world - not to mention a smile that shines on even the darkest of days. Courtnie's has dreamed of being accepted into a 4 yr college program. Her desire to soar to new heights has presented itself and she now has the opportunity to enroll in the Next Steps Program at Vanderbilt University for the 2021/2022 academic school year. As a youth, she attended the Susan Gray School (Vanderbilt’s Peabody Campus) where her affinity for learning and Vanderbilt University blossomed. Here she was able to learn to accept and appreciate that she is beautiful, strong, different- Unique! There are not many colleges and universities that accept students who have a special needs diploma. When we learned Vanderbilt offered a program for those with intellectual disabilities (Next Steps) we were thrilled!

Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing students with intellectual disabilities an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social, and career development; independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.

Although we are excited, we are disheartened to say that due to financial limitations, Courtnie may not be able to attend the Next Steps Program .
The Estimated Cost of attendance for academic year 2021/2022 is $23,310.00 With books and supplies (300- 600 dollars) the cost totals 23, 900.

After Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance, we are left with a remaining balance of $21,060 that will cover Courtnie's 4 years.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance:
$6000 Federal Financial Aid per year
$6000 Vocational Rehab Transitional Learning Services (only covers the first 4 semesters)
Tn Hope 1,750 Per year
Tn Student Assistance 2,000 per year
Remaining tuition:  for 2 year= 7'250 freshman and sophomore years at next steps)

Remaining tuition without Vocational Rehab (junior and senior of next steps) funds : 13,810 for 2 years
We need your help! We are asking for any support/financial contributions that can help offset the cost of higher education for Courtnie to help make this dream a reality. Simply sharing Courtnie’s story is thanks enough. Thank you for being a part of Courtnie’s journey to her Next Steps! And remember to never give up.
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/woman-with-intellectual-disability-treated-at-vanderbilt-as-a-baby-accepted-to-universitys-next-steps-program