Hello! My name is Jiana and I’m fundraising to pursue a study abroad program in Germany this summer.

Even contemplating the CIEE study abroad program is a really big step for me but I have wanted to be an entrepreneur since I started braiding hair at 13. I have a real passion for it and realized it was something I wanted to pursue as a career so I told myself I would open my own salon in Detroit one day. I’m now a senior at Cass Technical High School and looking to study business administration at college. 

I am applying for the Global Entrepreneurship Summer Session happening in July in Berlin. This is a life-changing opportunity for me to experience a new culture while getting a closer look at what running a business looks like. I will be meeting and interacting with business professionals in Berlin and will prove to myself that running a business is not just a passion but a respected professional path. I am both excited and nervous about it and am looking forward to being overseas, exploring different cultures, and meeting new people. I want to experience, learn, and study about what my future could be like before I head to college in the Fall. 

To be completely honest, I don't feel comfortable asking for money, especially with all that is happening in the world today. But I don’t want money to be an impediment to fulfilling my dreams. My family struggled with our finances growing up. I lost my dad in 2024 and this made things even more difficult for my mom. I’m still grateful for my parents and I appreciate them so much but my siblings and I are now in foster care and my part-time job at McDonalds doesn’t afford me enough to cover the expenses for this program. I am working hard to save what I can and am applying for scholarships but without your help, I won't be able to make the most of this unique opportunity. 

Please help me! Your generous contribution will help me pay for the course and the plane ticket. I will make sure in the future to help kids who will be in my same position and give them the opportunity you are giving me today.

Thank you!