Alayah’s Story

Alayah was always curious. When she saw something, she wouldn’t just take it at face value. She wanted to learn more. “How does that work?” “Why did that happen?” “What makes it do that?”

Her inquisitive nature was one of the traits that made her such a good student. She loves to learn and always has.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Alayah was at the top of her class. When she moved to New York, however, she risked having to repeat her junior year because some of her credits did not transfer.

Determined to graduate on time with her class, Alayah transferred to SCO’s East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS.) East Brooklyn is a transfer high school in partnership with SCO Family of Services and the New York City Department of Education. Students there can earn credits at an accelerated rate, so Alayah was able to earn her remaining junior credits and all of her senior credits in the same academic year.

Upon her arrival at EBCHS, Alayah had one goal: Go to college. She wanted to be the first in her family to go to college and she was determined to make it happen.

In the Spring of her senior year, Alayah’s EBCHS Advocate Counselor told her about a college scholarship available through Garden of Dreams, the Inspire Scholarship, and it’s substantial – $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years) and a brand-new MacBook.

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports to bring life-changing opportunities to young people in need. SCO Family of Services is one of their partner organizations.

When Alayah learned about the Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship, she jumped at the opportunity to apply. With a little help from her English teacher and a letter of recommendation from the EBCHS School Director, Alayah submitted her application.

Immersed in finishing out her senior year and applying to a myriad of colleges, Alayah received an email that she received a Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship! It was, in her words, an “Oh, my God! What a relief!” moment.

It really should come as no surprise. Her insatiable desire for knowledge made her the perfect candidate.

Alayah’s drive to go to college paid off. She was accepted into 16 colleges. Sixteen! In the end, Alayah chose North Carolina A&T University. It’s an excellent school and the people she talked to had great things to say about it.

Alayah plans to Major in Biology on the Pre-Med track, with a Minor in Psychology. She’d love to get into a top medical school and become a surgeon one day. She grew up helping to take care of people. It’s in her blood.

Alayah has set her goals high, but with her talent, drive and determination, she’s destined to achieve them all.

Congratulations, Alayah!

← Back

East Brooklyn Community High School

East Brooklyn Community High School combines a quality academic experience, individualized attention and intensive support services to promote academic success among young people who have been truant or are not on track to graduate. In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, SCO’s Transfer High Schools are committed to helping students earn their Regents diploma, pursue higher education and discover their leadership potential. Family and community engagement, internship opportunities through the Learn to Work program, and state-of-the-art technology tools are hallmarks of our innovative and successful Transfer High Schools.

East Brooklyn Community High School is a Community School project, a model that aims to make schools the hub of enriching, supportive, and inclusive activities that bring together children, teens, and adults from our diverse community.

East Brooklyn Community High School provides students with a supportive and personalized learning environment. Our school features:

  • Small class sizes. Each class is limited to 20-25 students. Total enrollment is no more than 200.
  • Individualized relationships. Each student is paired with an Advocate Counselor who provides guidance and support as they set and achieve realistic goals.
  • Highly qualified staff. Our teachers are experienced in addressing individual learning needs and designing projects that are connected to students’ interests.
  • EBCHS is a recently renovated, single-school site.

For more information and to apply, go to ebchighschool.org

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Students 16 through 21 years of age who are under-credited and want to receive a high school diploma

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Students 16 through 21 years old

How to Access this Program or Service

Ready to get started? If you believe East Brooklyn Community High School is right for you, please contact us at 718.927.6880 to schedule an interview with an Advocate Counselor.
You will be asked to provide a copy of your updated transcript and attendance history.

Visit EBCHS website»

This program is associated with...

A Vibrant Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn is a vibrant, evolving, and unique neighborhood; and SCO is proud of our partnership with the community for over three decades.  Read More

Related News

SCO Awarded $15,000 from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects

August 26, 2021

SCO Receives Grants Supporting Programs for Children and Youth

November 21, 2019

Alayah’s Story

Next Stop, College! Alayah O’Sullivan - East Brooklyn Community High School Class of 2022

Read Alayah’s Story

Tatiania’s Story

"Bronx Arena puts me in a state of mind where I know I can succeed."

Read Tatiania’s Story

We inspire

5,400

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

Support Our Mission

With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

Donate Now

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to the SCO Newsletter to hear the latest on SCO’s programs, people, and happenings.