A Different Path, Inc. is an organization that provides a much needed service to young women of color charting their way to college and beyond. Sheila Bruce, the eloquent and driven founder of the organization was a former teacher and remembers the challenges of being young and attending a competitive college that her family was having a hard time paying for.
"It was a struggle but I made it through and graduated with honors." I was attracted to support this organization because of Ms. Bruce's zeal and commitment to serve others especially young women of color. Ms. Bruce makes certain students who become ADP Scholars of her program are fully supported and do not contemplate dropping out particularly because they may need to plug a financial gap to buy new clothes, commute to school, go back home to see a sick family member or return home for Winter, Holiday or Spring break. Scholarships and Grants are simply not enough to meet the costs of all academic and non academic costs. Through ADP's signature annual event DENIMS and DIAMONDS, Sheila Bruce works exceedingly hard to raise necessary funds to cover many of the hidden costs that prop up during the academic year. The results of her effort? -- many students, now graduates with high GPAs who surrendered their worry of finances to an angel called Sheila Bruce and an organization that not only served their immediate need but became family for forever support and community.