Aryanna said joining the program was “an opportunity to do something greater.”
This fall, Aryana Arrington will head to Carlow University in Pittsburgh to study biology and become a veterinarian. Through a long-standing partnership between Boys Hope Girls Hope of Pittsburgh and Carlow University, Aryanna will have a full financial aid package to support her education.
Aryanna grew up with her parents and six siblings. Her father worked in restaurants and her mother was a bus driver for Greyhound. Aryanna’s parents believed in the power of education to pursue a better life. They weren’t able to help Aryanna access a strong education.
Aryanna joined Boys Hope Girls Hope of Pittsburgh in the 6th grade. Her older sister, who is now studying criminology at Carlow, was already in the program. Aryanna said joining the program was “an opportunity to do something greater.” When Aryanna moved in, she was the youngest girl in the house. Talking with the older girls in the program helped her with her transition. “The other girls are like sister to me,” Aryana said, “My advice to a younger scholar would be – to focus on building relationships.”
In high school Aryanna thrived on the basketball and softball teams and loved helping out in local grade schools through Junior Achievement. Jen Heid, Program Director of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, said of Aryanna, “Aryanna has worked very hard both academically and athletically during her 6 years with us. She always leads by example and has been a role model for our younger scholars. She also demonstrates a love of animals and volunteers at Animal Friends, a local shelter.”
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Pittsburgh recently changed its name as the program will open its first home for boys this summer. When Aryanna was in the program, it was known as Girls Hope of Pittsburgh.