From Philly to Penn: Kyra’s Journey & Advice for Future Students 🎓
We met Kyra Williams at the UNCF Women of Faith in Education event, where she shared her inspiring journey from growing up in Philadelphia to becoming a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education.
Kyra’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and giving back. After undergrad at NYU, she founded Stories in My Backyard (SIMBY), a nonprofit providing media arts education to Black youth in Philly. Now, she’s deepening her expertise through research so she can better integrate culturally relevant learning into classrooms.
Kyra’s Advice to Philly Students
✨ “It’s never too late to go after your dreams.”
Kyra reminds students not to compare their timelines to others. Whether you’re in school, taking a gap, or figuring things out, there are resources and pathways to reach your goals.
Why Scholarships Matter
Kyra is a Gates Millennium Scholar, and she credits scholarships with transforming her educational journey:
“That scholarship changed my life. It wasn’t easy — eight essays, recommendation letters, months of work — but it was worth every moment. Scholarships open doors and give you the support you need to thrive.”
Her message to Philly students? Apply to everything, big or small. “Those smaller awards add up — they can help cover food, transportation, and unexpected costs that make a big difference.”
Giving Back & Building Community
Kyra stays deeply connected to UNCF and encourages students to get involved in organizations that invest in you:
“Being part of a community like UNCF shows you what’s possible — and allows you to turn around and open doors for the next generation.”
Your Next Step
If Kyra’s story inspires you, start exploring:
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Scholarships → Browse PhillyGoes2College’s scholarship database
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Programs & Resources → Connect with PG2C for support
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Learn more about UNCF → https://uncf.org
Your future starts today. 🌟
