Aliyah Jackson’s journey has not been, but education has always been at the heart of it.
“Education has always been my pathway to break the cycle,” the Bryan Collegiate High School senior said. Her journey has led her to Brown University, one of the nation’s eight Ivy League colleges, where she will enroll in the fall with a full, four-year QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship.
Aliyah, a product of Crockett Elementary School, Jane Long Intermediate School, Davila Middle School, and Bryan Collegiate High School, represents the very best of Bryan ISD’s commitment to academic excellence, student support, and opportunity for all. Her scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, books, travel, and additional academic support, providing an extraordinary pathway to one of the nation’s top universities.
The QuestBridge National College Match connects high-achieving students from lower-income backgrounds with elite universities, matching them with full-ride scholarships and a wide range of academic and enrichment opportunities. Through the program, students receive not only financial support but also access to college preparation resources, mentorship, and summer programming.
Aliyah’s journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and belief in the power of education. Through her years of homelessness while in high school and the responsibility of being her own guardian, she remained unwavering in her determination to “break the cycle” and create a brighter future for herself. Throughout high school, Aliyah has demonstrated extraordinary motivation and resolve, using her circumstances as fuel for her academic success.
She credits her older brother and two influential teachers as inspiring her academic success. Aliyah describes her brother as one of her greatest sources of strength, while former Bryan Collegiate physics teacher Mr. Berger and current AP World History teacher Ms. Lill have each played meaningful roles in her educational journey. Upon learning of Aliyah’s acceptance to Brown University, Ms. Lill, a Pennsylvania native, purchased Aliyah a jacket to prepare for the colder winters awaiting her in Rhode Island. This is another example of the care and community found within Bryan ISD.
Aliyah plans to major in Neuroscience at Brown University and pursue a pre-med track with the goal of becoming an Oncologist. She also expresses deep appreciation for Bryan ISD programs, particularly GEAR UP, and the early college opportunities at BCHS.
Congratulations to Aliyah Jackson on this outstanding achievement. Bryan ISD celebrates her accomplishments and looks forward to all she will achieve at Brown University.