The Daniel Trust Foundation, Inc.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is committed to the success of every student involved in the program. Founder and CEO Daniel Trust embodies the epitome of mentorship. He develops a personal relationship with every student making what seems to be a personalized itinerary for what that individual needs to thrive. This may include 1:1 mentorship with him personally or him finding a mentor best suited for the student's personal goals and interests. My only desire for the Daniel Trust Foundation is that it receives the recognition and support it deserves to grow to the level I know it can reach, thus extending a much needed helping hand to as many students as possible.

Daniel Trust Foundation is an amazing non-profit organization who sees the need of underpriveleged and minority adolescents. His goal has given hope to many youth, as myself, and continues to thrive in a big way. The Foundation helps scholarship recipients value so much within their education, knowing that they have the support needed to succeed. I appreciate Daniel and his Foundation for making an impact and for making greater change in the Bridgeport community, to now expanding to New York. Good things come with this organization.

As a student , The Daniel Trust Foundation has given me one of the greatest opportunities of my life. The Daniel Trust Foundation has helped me with my SAT and also by providing a scholarship and assistance. I’ve gained so much valuable experience. The Daniel Trust Foundation has shown me how much they care about me and the other students. I honestly appreciate the support that the Daniel Trust Foundation has given me.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is an amazing grassroots organization in Bridgeport CT that mentors high school students into becoming leaders, who in turn mentor and support others. The organization was founded by Daniel Trust, a Rwandan genocide survivor who turned personal tragedy into a powerful force for positive change. The Foundation is run by alumni of the program, with an advisory board. No other youth- focused organization I know is actually run by young people from the community it supports.
As a donor and volunteer, I know exactly where my gifts go and I meet the beneficiaries. The Daniel Trust Foundation supports students in so many ways- from tutoring and how to apply for college, to financial literacy mentoring and teaching people to drive!
After hearing Daniel Trust speak, I introduced myself and said:” what can I do to help.” You will too.

My first contact with Daniel was when he first arrived at Bassick High School and was paired with a college student from our college access program, Mentoring for Academic Achievement and College Success who was his mentor throughout high school. We followed and supported Daniel throughout college and have continued our close relationship with him to this day. Daniel understands that when you have someone in your life that believes in your potential, you then have the responsibility to believe in others and their potential. That is what he believes and what his Foundation does. There are very few unassuming and generous people like Daniel in our world.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a very wonderful program. It really helped me get ready for college and some of my expenses. While in the Daniel Trust program I was able to get help with my SAT, open up my own bank account, etc. The Daniel Trust program is a program that helpes high school kids get ready for college and I was thankful to be a part of it.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is very humble at heart, truly considerate of a person's dream, whether a student or a teacher, and is strongly caring of someone's goal towards reaching higher into education. The Foundation provides awareness of why we should give back to the community and shows the importance of lending a hand in a impactful way. Daniel Trust builds the idea into his Foundation that no matter what circumstance a person may live under in their own town, no matter the challenges they may face, barriers should not restrict an individual to move forward because there is always a positive possibility for change, improvement and achievement. Daniel Trust taught me what Mother Theresa once implied, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." The importance of The Daniel Trust Foundation, from my experience as a recepient, friend and supporter, is that making the difference means leaving your message to the world that is so impacting it will stay with you forever and be remembered by someone who cared to change a cause for the better. To me, Daniel Trust is someone who is always willing to learn, and distribute a solution for young people and teachers to advance in their education, and strive for enhancement in the community. The Daniel Trust nonprofit organization is highly recommended to acknowledge and in looking forward to support because it is praisworthy, admirable and truly remarkable.

I became familiar with the work of this foundation during my late in life studies to obtain a masters in teaching (I had a career in the for profit business world of finance). As I learned more about the educational landscape across our state ( and our state is similar to others) I found that low income students had drive and ambition but lacked guidance. Guidance that comes with privilege or can be paid for. Students don't need harder subjects or more classroom time, they need advice and mentoring. The Daniel Trust Foundation does this for students. From simple things like guidance with obtaining a drivers licence to more complex issues like SAT prep and FAFSA completion, students have a valuable resource to advance to the next level. Every student coming out of this program also moves forward with the ability to self advocate and seek help with further endeavors which are life long skills needed to be successful regardless of your demographic.

I love how the Daniel Trust Foundation recognizes the hard working teachers who dedicate their lives to education. Daniel also allows the donors to stay invested in the lives of his students by giving many updates. It is amazing to see how fast they grow!

The Daniel Trust Foundation is an incredible foundation! Daniel and his staff are the most caring and dedicated group of people I have come across. The students who participate in the foundation’s programs, grow not only in intelligence but in independence. The students look at Daniel as a mentor and a father, and they are so lucky to have such an selfless person guide them. It is rare to come across someone like Daniel, someone who dedicates his life to the needs and aspirations of others. I cannot wait to see how many other students benefit as the Foundation grows!

I've met Daniel and I have to say this man is an inspiration and has helped the students he mentors with everything from learning to drive, to preparing for college entrance exams and monetarily helping them with college. He is a special man with a heart of gold and these students are blessed to have him in their lives.

Students that may have otherwise not been able to move onto higher education are because of The Daniel Trust Foundation!

The Daniel Trust Foundation really help students from underserved communities grow in educational fields. Watching the documentary really shows how much he cares for others

The Daniel Trust Foundation has been making an astonishing impact on the lives of young adults educationally, professionally and financially. This organization is surely unique, While attending the high school mentoring program in which I increased my SAT scores by 140 points, my expectations were exceeded by the level of commitment Daniel and this organization has for helping others. Once joined, you become part of an enlarging family that is dedicated to helping you grow and prepare you for your future, I am truly honored to be part of the this amazing foundation and it's legacy.

I am a member of the Daniel Trust Foundation and it is a great foundation to be apart of. For me the Daniel Trust Foundation has helped me because the foundation has helped with picking a college, getting financial aid, and earning scholarships. I would recommend this foundation to anyone because it truly helps students in the community succeed to better and higher.

I have been supporting the Daniel Trust Foundation since day 1. I see myself in the kids that are part of the program. Daniel sacrifices a lot to give a fair shot to students, always reminding them that they can and they will. This foundation changes lives.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a great organization that does a tremendous job in helping the community recognize outstanding teachers and students in CT.

With limited resources, the organization has helped dozens of high school students transition into college with programs that aid them financially with scholarships and academically through mentorship.

Daniel, Founder & President, himself has gone through extensive measures to help the kids in Fairfield, Ct grow. Whether it's helping his students get a job or driver's license, Daniel has gone above and beyond with the Foundation and has even taken the lengths of recognizing the hard work of educator in Ct by awarding local educators with honorariums.

I've personally documented the Foundation's work as a volunteer and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Daniel Trust Foundation is an extraordinary organization.

The Daniel Trust Foundation came on time needed. Though it has helped us a lot today as youth, students. It was a first time in my life I was given a big award like a scholarship I'm so grateful for it. We are all need to give back,I have honored Daniel trust foundation scholarship 2016 and I am thankful to be a part of Daniel Trust foundation.

Thanks you so much this for this opportunity you have given us

I support the Daniel Trust Foundation because of the "Mission." The focus on young people, helping them prepare for application and acceptance to attend college, often a first in the family. His engagement process with the students is consistent helping to address some of the complexity and challenges that new college students will have as they prepare.

Most importantly I am touched by Daniels personal dedication to the young people currently in the program. And it is a definite reflection of his impact that the students that have graduated from the program who are attending college, they continue to come back and support the organization and Daniel.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a very special foundation that more people should know about. Ive never experienced being so connected to the amazing people involved who want to do everything in their power to help you succeed and lend a hand wherever it may be needed. Daniel himself checks up on you throughout the year and there truly is no other organization like this.

This nonprofit organization is an inspiration & it touches every person that becomes apart of it . I am proud of Daniel for all that he’s done .He has been such good friend to me & His determination to make the dreams of these students come true is motivating. Anyone that meets him and hears what this foundation is all about will immediately support it .

This program has helped me in so many ways. I'm happy to say that I am apart of the Daniel Trust family. It gives you connections that I never would've come across without their help and for that I'm very thankful. Keep up the amazing work.

As a student who was searching hard and tirelessly for the means to make it to college, the Daniel Trust Foundation was an amazing opportunity.
More so than the resources the foundation has offered to me in assisting my educational goals, the care and love that pours out into their efforts to help kids like me, is unforgettable.
I am so thankful for all the foundation's work in making tangible and more importantly, non-tangible, differences in many people's lives, not just mine.
Not only that, but Daniel Trust is so passionate about the work he does and it is authentic and genuine. Going onto two years later of being a recipient, he checks in with me and invites me to events and such very often.
Thank you, Daniel Trust!

I've been a Mentee at the Daniel Trust Foundation, Inc for only a year, and I was surprise by how much growth it helped me achieve. not only professional but also personal. The Daniel Trust Foundation has exceeded my expectations because when I applied for the Daniel Trust Foundation scholarship I thought that I applied just for the money. But no, in the Daniel Trust Foundation it's not just about the money they give. They help you apply for college, they give you a mentor to help you and guide you, they bring people in to share their experiences with you, they help with your license etc... The Daniel Trust Foundation, Inc exceed expectations, that's what they do.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is an inspiring and life changing organization that has influenced so many lives in the Bridgeport area. The Foundation not only gives scholarships to prepared and intelligent students but provides a personal tight-knit mentoring program. This program helps students with receiving their drivers license, applying to college, SAT preparation and getting jobs. The Daniel Trust Foundation has amazing students and an amazing founder. If you're looking for an organization to support- this is it!

Daniel has been my friend for a long time and it's amazing to see him continue to grow. I saw this foundation from when it was just an idea, and now Daniel has made something that continues to give back to the community! I can only see the power of this foundations giving back growing and being a great influence to anyone who chooses to be involved!

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a community based organization. Not only does it affect the community surrounding it, but reaches people all over America. As a 2014 scholarship recipient, I am proud to represent this foundation. Daniel has encouraged me that no situation can hold you back from success. If you are looking for moral support and guidance Daniel is the perfect person to go to. His judgement free attitude has been influential to me. Please support his foundation because he is supporting the youth of America not just Bridgeport.

Daniel Trust is an amazing individual who has a heart to help others. I first met Daniel when he was a student at Bassick High School where I taught at the time. I was so inspired by the young man who was courageous enough to share his tragic yet hopeful story with me. Even as a high school student Daniel wanted to pour out and share his hope with others. In the fall of 2007 as a high school senior himself, Daniel was invited to share his story with a group of students at Jonathan Law High School and that event launched what has become a personal passion for Dan. Daniel is now a college graduate and professional speaker. Years later I continue to stand in awe of Daniel and all that he has accomplished and still aspires to do. He has truly turned the ashes of his circumstances into beauty and he aims to inspire everyone he encounters to do the same. He selflessly gives to others with the goal of improving their circumstances and has literally altered the course of individuals lives'. I am so proud to stand in his company and look forward to what Daniel will accomplish through his organization's endeavors.

I've always said one of the best things that's ever happened to me at SCSU was meeting Dan! He is an incredible person inside and out but most of all an inspirational person filled with passion. The Daniel Trust Foundation is a way to give back and acknowledge. I couldn't be more proud of the person Dan is but most of all a great friend I've gained in college and for a lifetime. I'm one who had volunteered for the foundation as it is an accomplishment for myself to have been part of. We awarded the Kathy Silver Award which was Dan's High School teacher who always pushed him to exceed beyond ! The whole night was a fun, filled, and learning environment where people of all kinds and beliefs got together to celebrate! I look forward to many more events and times to give back! Keep up the great work :)

I almost don't have the words to explain how much the Daniel Trust Foundation means to me. One of the best parts abut the scholarship is that Daniel and the organization stay with the scholars during our journeys at college and try their best to help us, thereby keeping us connected with the organization. Daniel is truly one of the most sincere people I have ever met and to see his foundation grow in such a short time is truly astounding to me. As a young adult who advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, I can confidently say that this organization does a great job of recognizing young people who are fighting for the future of our world. It also promotes the sharing of stories; it helps kickstart a dialogue among people in the LGBTQ+ community and I think that that is the most rewarding aspect of the scholarship and foundation. I'm excited to see what the future has to offer for Daniel and the foundation and I will be forever grateful for the scholarship, support, and most importantly, mentorship that I have received from Daniel during the past 2 years.

As a recipient of this scholarship, I have nothing but great things to say. I am so blessed to have been given this scholarship. The Daniel Trust Foundation truly opens eyes to issues that we are currently facing. Regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation...the DTF is one to be apart of.

The Daniel Trust Foundation does tremendous work with the youth of America. Daniel has a passion for helping young people achieve more out of life! His foundation has already touched the lives of many young people and the best is yet to come! #AchieveMore #GiveBack

I met Daniel when he worked at the bank. He told me about his foundation and I became a sponsor in a small way. I wish I had millions to donate because I am positive that Daniel is going to change the world for the better. He is so passionate about his foundation and helping others and he does all of this with a HUGE smile. He and his amazing foundation continue to impress me with their hard work and determination.

Anyone who is passionate about LGBTQ rights, education and community service should consider applying to the Daniel Trust Foundation Scholarship in 2015. As a recipient of this scholarship, I was extremely thankful and appreciative of the immense love, friendship and motivation that I received from Daniel Trust. Learning about Daniel's compelling and inspiring story paves the way for me to strive to do my best. I used to believe that whatever I did wasn't good enough and I didn't have a purpose, but getting to know Daniel made me realize that he believed in me, and if others can believe in me, then I can believe in myself. The scholarship I received has been a huge help paying for books and other miscellaneous things.

The Daniel Trust Foundation is a great non-profit! Daniel is dedicated to helping youth 'Achieve More while Giving Back'. I have worked with him on a few occasions - he has spoken to the students at my school and inspired both students and the faculty to become more involved in their communities.

"What I love about Daniel Trust and The Daniel Trust Foundation is that unlike other scholarship organizations, that just give you a pay check or a "pat-on-the-back," the organization and Daniel, go above and beyond for the scholars, supporters and the local community. Not only does he support his scholars monetarily, but he provides mentorship, guidance and opportunity.

After spending a month in terning with the organization in Connecticut, I can confidently say that my words are absolutely true. I have never seen someone put in so much heart, time and commitment into what they believe in and stand for. It seemed like Daniel was up, dawn past midnight almost every single day, working on something new for the foundation.

I completely agree and believe for what this organization stands for. And I highly recommend any and all people become supporters and friends of Daniel and The Daniel Trust Foundation.

Also Daniel is an excellent speaker, who has one of the most inspiring existing stories to share. If you don't invite him to speak at your work, school or club, you will be losing a lot!
Overall, I am looking forward to following Daniel and the organization in watching them make a serious dent in the world."

As a recipient of this scholarship I believe that The Daniel Trust foundation is a great organization and supportive group, that all scholars should apply for in 2015. Daniel Trust is inspiring teens around the world with his motivating story. He became a mentor to me and one of my biggest support system. I am grateful for this foundation and hope it continues to rise rise rise! I believe everyone should support The Daniel Trust Foundation mission because it is not everyday we see someone giving back to the community they grew up in. Daniel Trust is the image of what our young men of our generation today should look like in the future. The Daniel Trust foundation has my full support.

Daniel Trust is ambitious to see the success of the young adults who are make a great impact on the community, nature themselves to succeeded academically and socially. Daniel Trust is passionate to learn and support the young adults who desires to change a world (or circumstance) and improve the environment. Daniel Trust focuses on a person as whole and bring their spirit up with the encouragement and inspiration. As a scholar of Daniel Trust I am highly appreciated and thankful for the love, support and determination that drives from Daniel Trust and I highly recommend to everyone to learn more about Daniel Trust and his story that will change you- the touchable story, full of motivation, faith, inspiration, much more that refreshes the soul and feed the good nutrients which will provide the strength, courage, hope, and love to serve and be generous to others and yourself. Apply to Daniel Trust Foundation Scholarship if you are a leader, a role model, and passionate to drive a change and success, then Daniel Trust is your place!! Daniel Trust is the most efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and much more that words can't express!!

Although i just learned of the Daniel Trust Foundation this year in that short amount of time i've gotten to know Daniel as well as the foundation itself. The work this foundation does is a light at the end of the tunnel for many students who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford the ever rising costs of college. Not only does the foundation give scholarships and grants to deserving teachers and high school seniors, the foundation is much like a family that keeps in touch and involved in their honorees lives. Not many non-profits are willing to go that extra mile to not only give back but becoming a mentor to help with future self-growth. These honorees as well as Daniel himself inspire me to not only want to be a better person but to give back to my community as well.

Just seeing Daniel Trust's radiant face online drew me to reading about him. He is model and inspiration and has a purity of heart that defines the kind of enlightened greatness that makes one know the world is better and safer with him here. His wish and determination to support young scholars who are also following a call to serve this world is moving and precious. It was something I felt immediately and without reservation that I wanted to say, with my few dollars to his BIG purpose, "Go, Daniel. Thank you for what you do..... and don't stop!".

For over twenty years I've worked in urban schools as an educator, researcher, and advocate. My academic work has been with the literacy of relocated refugee youth in an out of American schools but, as the Director of a Connecticut Writing Project site (part of the highly celebrated National Writing Project network), I've also spent a large part of my time leading professional development for educational leaders. I pride myself on having opportunities to work with passionate individuals and organizations -- the ones who put youth before inane educational policies. They are the people who fight for student empowerment over the oppressive curriculum that often fails to recognize diversity in American schools.

It was serendipitous to meet Daniel Trust and his foundation this past year. A mutual friend of ours - a stellar teacher who mentored Daniel when he was in high school and college - introduced me to his story and work. Because I've mentored and advised relocated refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Vietnam, and Bhutan, I have always been drawn to those stories that demonstrate resilience and hope.

Last spring, Fairfield University (Jesuit University Humanitarian Network) and I brought Daniel Trust to visit the campus. He provided an evening of advocacy and impacted all in attendance. As a result, I also asked Daniel to tell his story during a summer institute for teachers. I wanted them to benefit from his modeling of how he acts locally with global realities on his mind. In both forums, Daniel's presentation was personal, emotional, intimate, and promising. He has a natural way to move his audiences into action.

Daniel Trust is a mover and a shaker. Last year, he offered multiple scholarships to young people who fight to make a difference in their world. One of my students, a young Pakistani woman in a dual enrollment program between Trust's alma mater and Fairfield University, was a recipient of a cash award. I attended the Trust Scholarship dinner and knew he was an individual to support. The pride imbued upon his scholarship recipients is one of the greatest highlights of my four-year Connecticut experience.

Daniel Trust is dedicated to young people who deserve an amazing opportunity. He stands behind youth and uses his own story to help them build their own. He is a friend to education and an activist for the heterogeneity of American society. His foundation is definitely worth being named one of the nation's BEST non-profits.

I saw Daniel in 2013 when he spoke at the True Colors Conference at the University of Connecticut. I knew right away that this was a young man of courage and conviction who was capable of doing great things. The Foundation he created awards grants and scholarships to students who are making their communities better, and teachers who are encouraging their students to do the same. This is important and heroic work that rarely is acknowledged, but when the Foundation awards a grant or a scholarship, all of that changes. Daniel is also an inspirational speaker with a message of hope and optimism, with a tremendous story of how he made the transition from Rwandan Genocide survivor to LGBT and community activist. This is a unique, powerful, and extremely important foundation!

I knew of Daniel Trust back in 2007 when his organization was at its beginning roots while attending Southern Connecticut State University. I watched Daniel grow after I began to notice the D-Trust T-shirts he sold outside my then campus job at the bookstore. The story behind Daniel and what his organization does is one of fascination, courage, perseverance, and admiration for serving the community.

I had the honor of being a guest at the Daniel Trust Award ceremony for graduating high school scholarship recipients now attending colleges across the United States. Each scholar who spoke had integrity and merit for what the founder of this organization stands for. I give my highest recommendation for the Daniel Trust Foundation, for support and awareness of all the good it has done to the people it serves.

I have been volunteering with the Daniel Trust Foundation for a few years now and I am still blown away by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by this amazing group of people. This Foundation was set up to help and empower students and teachers who are giving back to their community. I can attest to the long hours and hard work put in to set up the non-profit, to continuously raise funds for student scholarships, and to spread the word about these students and teachers who are going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.

I originally became involved with the Daniel Trust Foundation because I enjoy helping others, but I have gotten so much more in return. Each event I volunteer at or project I become involved with, I come away more motivated and inspired to do more in my own life.

I choose to become a board member of The Daniel Trust Foundation because I believe in its mission and work to "advise and help teens plan their education and careers with meaning and purpose". Inspiring students to excel, look past their current situations and see themselves in their destiny is something I've dedicated my life's work to. So, becoming a part of the Daniel Trust Foundation came with ease. The foundation, like myself, is committed to helping students reach their greatest potential via mentorships and scholarship recognition.

I am truly proud of the work we do, the level of excellence we exude, and the financial support we are able to provide to students and teachers. It's apparent to me that The Daniel Trust Foundation is not only a nonprofit, but it is also an extended family and support system for our interns and scholars.

We understand that when we give more we achieve more!

This nonprofit goes beyond any scholarship program out there. Not only do they award scholars who exceed in their studies and community service, but they go above and beyond by continuously mentoring their selected students throughout their entire college career. The nonprofit also gives students birthday gifts, a textbook fund, and start an emergency funding account for them just incase they need to come home or to assist them with any health care issues. They also award one student with a laptop, which is essential in college.

This nonprofit doesn't just stop at students, they also give out a grant to a teacher that goes out of their way for their students and community. They award teachers who teach in low-income school districts and students who are living in impoverished communities.

This year they want to help 10 scholars go to college and help atleast 1-2 teacher(s). I'm a monthly donor because I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better future.