UPDATE: After news broke of IIshmale Powell possibly having to put his collegiate dreams on hold because of scholarship issues, a GoFundme Campaign was launched to keep that from happening.
The original goal of $25,000 was exceeded within 12 days due to the generous donations of many people. Now, he has over $30,700 to cover his college expenses this fall.
The North Carolina teen is heading to college three years before he’s old enough to vote.
The Greensboro resident was the youngest to graduate in Page High School’s class of 2018. The 15-year-old also left high school with a 4.5 GPA, according to WFMY News 2. He was able to graduate two years early because he skipped two grades and began taking high school classes in middle school.
Powell will enter the University of North Carolina in the fall and will study both computer and aerospace engineering.
"Going at such a young age, it might be difficult for me, but I think I am ready," Powell told WFMY.
Despite his eagerness and exceptional accomplishments, the teen is facing a common issue: lack of money.
Powell has received $3,000 from a Pell Grant and $6,000 from a UNC scholarship, but he still needs $40,000 for other fees. He has applied for several scholarships but was rejected. Powell's father, who lives on fixed disability income, cannot afford $40,000 a year.
"That's really worrying me. I'm not sure how I'm going to pay for tuition or anything because I come from a single-parent home, and it's been rough," said Powell. His father has moved to Charlotte so the teen can live with him while in college to save money on housing.
Powell is hoping to receive some additional scholarship funds from the organization Say Yes. However, he will have to wait to find out: the group typically sends out award letters in July and August, and its awards only cover tuition. Donnie Turlington, the interim director of Say Yes Guilford, says he’s begun a review of Powell’s case and will meet with him.
"High-performing students like him, we want to find a way that we can make sure we can break down the cost barriers involved with the college," said Turlington.
Powell has also started a GoFundMe campaign.
"I just pray that a blessing will happen," he said.