Stay Connected

Each year, 25,000 young people "age out" of the American foster care system. To help these people become self-reliant, achieve their educational goals and successfully enter the work force, Alliant Credit Union entered into a partnership with Foster Care to Success (formerly called the Orphan Foundation of America).

This year, to back up its commitment, Alliant awarded $5,000 scholarships to two Foster Care to Success young adults who attend college. Read on to learn about the recipients.

Deanna Stepp, 20, is a sophomore majoring in education at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

The oldest girl in her original family of seven brothers and sisters, she clearly remembers the day, December, 21, 2007 when at age 13, she was driven across town to live with her foster family in Romeoville, IL.

Fortunately, her foster mother became her mentor. "She was very supportive and made sure I became what I want to be," says Deanna.

At college, Deanna is a whiz at chemistry because she finds it very easy to understand. She also plays intramural volleyball, takes Zumba (a Latin exercise dance class) and has participated in Panther Nation, a cheering section for the school's sports teams. For relaxation, she draws things, such as flowers, hearts and stick people.

Deanna plans to become an elementary or middle school science teacher. "I want to be a friendly teacher who makes learning fun," she says. "I plan to be always there for my students and encourage them to come to talk to me about anything."

Her motto: "Live life to its fullest. Take every opportunity that's handed to you and take nothing for granted."

Last year, Deanna was one of 104 winners (out of 50,000 applicants) for the prestigious, need-based national Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans scholarships that honor young people who have overcome serious adversity.

Deanna, for the time being, already has a job - the same one she began as a high school junior. When she goes home for a school break or weekend, she calls to get hours to work in the women's clothing section of a department store.

Nikki Goncalves, 20, is a junior, majoring in public relations at Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

Born in Angola, Africa, Nikki came to America with her family when she was 12. A year later she went to live in a group foster care home in Chicago, IL.

At the home, Nikki says, she "became a stronger person" and learned life skills, such as how to take care of money, manage time and interview for jobs.

Nikki already speaks four languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Lingala, a language from the Congo). But, that's not enough. Now, she is learning Korean by taking an online course and getting some informal lessons from her Korean-born advertising class professor. That's because she has a plan: to study abroad in South Korea.

Nikki is active in the school student senate and serves as director of fundraising for the school's annual dance marathon to benefit a local children's hospital. (Last year, she danced 24 hours straight for the marathon. This year, the dancing time has been reduced to a mere 18 hours -- and her goal is to dance all the way through that one, as well.) She also takes Zumba dance exercise classes.

Nikki's goals include going to graduate school to learn international law and then to work for a non-profit organization.

Her advice to kids beginning college: "Be serious, but not too serious. Study, yes. But, school is more than study, study, study. Remember to relax a bit and have fun, too."

"Alliant is extremely pleased to be involved with Foster Care to Success and to sponsor two of its scholars this year," says Alliant CEO Dave Mooney. "Alliant's service mission includes a commitment to providing people an opportunity to improve their economic and social conditions through education and financial literacy."