Pay It Forward Initiative

Opening Doors to College for High-Potential, Low-Income Students

The Pay It Forward Initiative exists to ensure that motivated, high-achieving students are not held back from college simply because they lack access to resources, guidance, or financial support. Too often, students with incredible potential face overwhelming barriers when navigating the college application and financial aid process. Pay It Forward steps in to change that trajectory.

Supported by Love Works Resource Center, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), this initiative provides fully funded college planning services to students who would otherwise go without them—leveling the playing field and creating real opportunity.

Our Mission

Those with the greatest need are often those with the least access to quality guidance, professional direction, and advocacy.

Our mission is to identify motivated students, guide them through the entire college application and financial aid process, and help them secure significant merit- and need-based scholarships, opening the door to higher education and long-term success.

Who We Serve

The Pay It Forward Initiative focuses on high-potential high school students with limited financial resources, including (but not limited to) students who:

  • Excel academically

  • Are highly motivated to attend college

  • Participate in National Honor Society or other school and community activities

  • Come from single-parent households

  • Are currently in foster care

  • Have limited family financial support

These students deserve the opportunity to compete with peers from more affluent backgrounds—and to dream bigger for their future.

What We Provide

Pay It Forward covers 100% of the cost of comprehensive college planning services, including:

  • Choosing a major

  • Identifying best-fit colleges and universities

  • Completing the Common Application

  • Developing strong, authentic personal essays

  • Completing and submitting all financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile)

  • Identifying scholarship opportunities

Students receive personalized, professional guidance every step of the way—support that is often unavailable through traditional school counseling or student aid programs.

Why it matters

For many students, the college process is one of the most consequential—and confusing—experiences of their lives. Navigating applications, financial aid forms, and scholarship opportunities without support can feel impossible.

Pay It Forward removes those barriers.

“By the end of my first meeting, I left with tears in my eyes—feeling confident for the first time in my life about what my future could be.”

“I was in disbelief when I received my acceptance package. I re-did the aid calculations over and over, shocked that a private school could provide so much support.”

Proven Impact

The Pay It Forward model works.

  • One student who attended and graduated from American University received over $245,000 in need-based financial aid.

  • Another student who attended and graduated from La Salle University received over $120,000 in need-based financial aid.

These outcomes represent more than financial numbers—they represent lives changed.

Our Team

The Pay It Forward Initiative is led by experienced professionals dedicated to educational equity:

  • Mark Keller, Project Director

  • Dr. Kevin Bukatman, Educational Consultant – College Planning Service America LLC

In partnership with Love Works Resource Center, Inc., the team brings expertise, compassion, and a shared commitment to student success.