KENNETH COCHRAN

My name is Kenneth Cochran and I grew up in an abusive home. I was incarcerated at thirteen years of age due to problems I was having in school. At the age of 21 I was sent to prison and spent nearly twenty years of my life in the California prison system. While in prison, I eventually made the decision to educate myself and vowed not to give the prison system another day of my life.

Upon my release in 2014, I was placed at the Volunteers of American by my parole officer and I graduated with high marks. I have completed nine months at a sober living house and I am now living on my own. I found out about the EOPS program in the spring of 2017. I have completed 35 units and I have earned a GPA of 3.7. I plan to transfer to San Diego State University upon completing my two year degree programs.

In addition to attending classes at the college, I am also a member of the Urban Scholars Union, which is an on campus organization that provides support to formerly incarcerated students at San Diego City College. Additionally, I am a member of City Scholars and DSPS.

The EOPS program has helped me in straightening out my educational plan and it has helped me to get on track to achieve my educational goals. This scholarship would allow me to purchase a laptop which I desperately need to keep up with all of my homework assignments and I would be able to buy lunch.