This past spring, Standing With You (SWY) launched the Standing With Her Scholarship—an initiative under the Standing With You Scholars Fund designed to directly support pregnant and parenting students pursuing an education. We know that raising a child while earning a degree is no easy task, and our goal is to help lighten the load—financially and practically—for those who choose both their future and their child.
After reviewing an incredible pool of applicants, we’re thrilled to introduce this year’s two first place Standing With Her Scholarship recipients: Desiree and Alexis. They were awarded $2,500 each. We awarded two runners up, Mary and Ruben, were awarded $1,000 each. Check out the deserving recipients and their incredible life journeys!
Desiree
Two years ago, Desiree found herself pregnant in an unstable relationship where she was pressured to have an abortion. Instead, she courageously chose Life—both for her baby girl and for herself. Leaving behind what no longer served her, Desiree embraced single motherhood with strength and purpose. Now, she’s pursuing a master’s degree in social work and criminal justice.
“Here I am proving him wrong every day and giving her the best life I can,” Desiree shared. “She is my world, and I want to always set the example of her being able to do anything no matter the circumstances. My life started when I had her.”
Desiree’s resilience and determination are exactly why the Standing With Her Scholarship exists—to remind student parents that choosing life doesn’t mean putting dreams on hold. It means dreaming even bigger.
Alexia
At just 18 years old, Alexia was in her second semester of college when she found out she was pregnant. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Alexia made a brave decision to continue her college journey while raising her daughter, determined to show that motherhood and ambition can thrive side by side.
“My daughter is not my limitation—she is my inspiration,” Alexia wrote in her application. “I didn’t have to choose between my future and my child—I chose both, and I will keep choosing both, every single day.”
She added, “Although continuing school while pregnant was not easy, it was through watching my powerhouse mother raise me as a single parent while simultaneously thriving in her career that made me realize finishing college and having my baby was possible.”
Alexia’s story is a beautiful example of legacy, courage, and possibility—of one strong mother inspiring another.
Mary
Mary is a first-generation college student and international scholar from Nigeria, pursuing her degree far from home. When Mary found out that she was pregnant, she courageously chose Life while also continuing her studies.
She shares, “Choosing life for my daughter was both a step of faith and a declaration of hope.”
Her academic work centers on food safety and public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Her goal is to complete her doctorate, continue advocating for women and children, and to build a future where no woman must sacrifice her calling to honor her motherhood. We are so encouraged by Mary’s story, and we cannot wait to see how she changes the world!
Ruben
Ruben is the father of three children, a first-generation college student and an active-duty service member in the U.S. Coast Guard. He reflects that being a father is his “greatest honor of all.” He aims to be good example for his sons, showing them that hard work, resilience, diligence, and discipline can help them accomplish anything.
He writes, “As a father of three and an active-duty service member pursuing higher education, my schedule can be demanding and unpredictable. However, I want my children to see that growth and achievement come from perseverance, not perfect conditions.”
We are so inspired by Ruben’s story and commitment to his family, his country, and his studies.
These awardees are proof that student parents are not defined by limitations, but by resilience. They’re not statistics—they are scholars, parents, and leaders.
To learn more about the Standing With You Scholars Fund or to support our mission, visit: www.standingwithyou.org/scholarsfund
Congratulations, Desiree, Alexis, Mary, and Ruben. We are so proud to stand with you.