Two Bronx Community College (BCC) alumni returned to campus this summer to award the first-ever Redeem the Dream Scholarship — a new initiative supporting promising students facing financial challenges. The inaugural recipient is Trisha Martin, an international student and single mother from St. Lucia, who is studying to become a nurse. Her inspiration? Caring for her father during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jonathan Ciriaco and Jesus Cabreja, who met at a Bronx church years before enrolling at BCC in 2015, presented the award. They supported one another through college and graduated together in 2017. Now, joined by Jeremiah Addo, a third partner and donor in their mission to give back, they’ve launched Envoy Culture, a nonprofit aimed at uplifting underserved communities. The scholarship, awarded through the BCC Foundation, is their organization’s first major initiative.

“We both knew we were dealt hands we couldn’t control,” said Ciriaco. “But we adapted and found the resources to get to the next step. A lot of our later success was planted right here at BCC, so this scholarship reflects our understanding of what it’s like to be a student uncertain of the future.”

Martin’s determination to persevere despite limited resources deeply resonated with the selection committee. In addition to her studies, she works at BCC’s Enrollment Management Call Center. Her job, coupled with the Redeem the Dream Scholarship, is making it possible for her to stay enrolled and focused on her goals.

“I’m so grateful for the scholarship,” said Martin. “It came at the perfect time. I don’t even know how to put into words how much it means to me.”

Her essay stood out among applicants. “She embodies the ‘make it happen’ spirit and perseverance we were looking for,” said Cabreja. “We’re excited to help more students in the future who are pushing through adversity.”

Outside the classroom, Martin volunteers with efforts to support the homeless in the South Bronx. She is on track to graduate in January 2026 — and dreams of impacting lives through nursing, just as she did for her father.