Meet Kanyinsola Oye

Graduating from College Debt-Free

Kanyinsola Oye is an impressive young woman who had two dreams: attending Howard University and leaving college debt-free. Thanks to her hard work, she made both happen.

As a student at Columbus Alternative High School, Kanyinsola made her mark by being a leader and community activist. At age seventeen, she created a program called She Can Make a Difference to teach elementary school students in Columbus about female empowerment and self-love. She also spearheaded a retreat for 400 girls, coordinating transportation and arranging the speakers. The attendees practiced self-defense, did arts and crafts, and learned about career options.

It was this commitment to community that attracted the Zeta Phi Beta Inc.; Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter (Columbus, Ohio). The sorority gives out a Founders’ Scholarship through I Know I Can which is specifically for a community-minded student attending an Historically Black College or University.

Kanyinsola applied for the scholarship and impressed the sorority members during her interview. She received $10,000 per year for four years to attend her dream school. Coupled with other scholarships, Kanyinsola was able to graduate in four years, summa cum laude with degrees in history and political science, while remaining debt-free.

She plans to attend law school and use her education to champion human rights causes.

    contact an advisor