Monthly News for Our Donors & Partners
April 2025
Scholars Celebrated at Spring Brunch
On April 12, more than 120 people gathered at Ursuline Academy for the annual Celebrating Our Scholars Brunch. Scholars were joined by family members, mentors, scholarship benefactors, and members of The Chatfield Edge team to celebrate their achievements and encourage them to keep moving forward.
Scholar Carnesha Johnson shared about her challenges to complete a GED in her thirties and embark on her dream to become an occupational therapy assistant. With mentoring and financial support from The Chatfield Edge, she reported that she will graduate with her degree from Cincinnati State in May 2025.
Brayden Ayers, a student at Warren County Career Center, recounted his journey over the last year of graduating from high school and not knowing how to take the next step. The Chatfield Edge helped him identify, enroll in, and finance an HVAC program from which he will graduate in June.
Chatfield mentor, Dr. Jeffrey Bauer, and board chair, Tommie L. Lewis, Jr. delivered messages of encouragement to scholars and gratitude to mentors and donors for their willingness to partner in the mission of The Chatfield Edge.
If you were unable to attend the brunch and would like to make a donation, you can do so here.
Congratulations to Chatfield Scholar Arneqka Lester
We had a surprise presentation at our recent Celebrating Our Scholars Brunch. Dr. Roxana Holland, Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Social Work at Mount St. Joseph University, and other faculty members joined us to celebrate a scholar we share.
Arneqka Lester, a former Chatfield College student whom The Chatfield Edge continues to support, was presented with the Mount St. Joseph University Social Work Student of the Year Award for her extraordinary endurance, persistence, and consistent engagement in the social work program. Arnequa will graduate in May with her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mount St. Joe’s.
Sowing the Seeds of Success: Our Growth and Impact
Just two years ago when The Chatfield Edge launched in January 2023, we had nine active scholars. The average age was 37. Two students were enrolled in four-year programs and our scholarship assistance totaled $7,800. We only had one mentor.
Because we dared to plant and you dared to help us tend the garden, The Chatfield Edge has grown tremendously.
As of January 2025, we were supporting 40 active scholars still in school in two-year and four-year degree programs, certificate programs, and trade schools. Our students range in age from 16 to 52 and the average age is 27. Scholarship assistance has grown to more than $140,000 and our team of mentors is 19 strong.
Thank you to the partners, donors, mentors, volunteers, and scholars who are The Chatfield Edge. Our growth is transformational and making impact in our community! Let’s keep going!
Our Newest Blog: Best Student Loans
One of the services The Chatfield Edge provides is helping students navigate the complex world of financial aid. We explore options including loans, scholarships, family support, and employment income to help them plan for their education expenses.
In our most recent blog, we focus on student loans. When it comes to student loans, understanding the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans is crucial. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans offer valuable assistance in covering educational expenses, but they have key differences that can significantly impact your financial future.
Read the blog here and then share it with students in your life who might benefit from our knowledge and tips.
