Secure Ashley's Future: UPenn Student in Need

Get ready cause I am going to unload a lot because I need a Hail Mary in the 24th hour.

My name is Ashley Matias and I am a 2nd year graduate student at the Graduate School of Education at UPenn. I am looking to receive a Masters (MS.Ed) In School and Mental Health Counseling this coming May.

Apart from being a Penn student, I am a North Philly native, who was undocumented as a child, a DACA student as a teen, and have only recently been granted a pathway to citizenship via a U-Visa. I am the product of the School District of Philadelphia, and I want nothing more than to be able to utilize my degree from the University of Pennsylvania to create opportunities in this same district for kids like me.

Right now, I’m facing some nearly impossible circumstances right at the finish line. I currently have an outstanding student bill balance of $17,000 which is preventing me from registering for my last semester .Currently, I do not have access to stable housing and am struggling to pay the tuition for my master’s program. My status as a former DACA and current U-Visa holder has meant repeated denials for loans, and while I have sought Emergency Graduate Funding to address the housing situation, I am in desperate need of financial assistance specifically to cover my tuition bill for the final portion of my program. Without this support, I will lose out on an opportunity to work possibly work at a school I love and am guaranteed to fall into deeper debt with no opportunity for gainful employment.

Growing up in North Philly was hard but going to college and learning to walk in spaces not really meant for me was even harder. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I worked with elementary age students which solidified my love for providing guidance within academic institutions. In the Winter of 2023, I thought why not give applying to Penn a shot? It was my dream when I was younger, and I knew that graduating from any professional education program would only further my ability to walk in my purpose. I am incredibly passionate about the work that I do here at Penn, but more importantly, the work that I will do upon finishing my program. I hope to graduate in May 2025, but the financial gap makes that future uncertain. If you are able to help, whether by donating, sharing my story, or connecting me with any resources or people who might be able to assist, I would be deeply grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this—I truly appreciate any help you can offer.

Sincerely,

Ashley Nicole Matias Matos

MS.Ed School & Mental Health Counseling Candidate

Northeast Treatment Center Outpatient Therapist Intern

School District of Philadelphia School Counseling Intern

University of Pennsylvania Civic House Graduate Assistant