As the first person in her family to graduate college, Caitlynn Thomas not only wanted to fulfill her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist, she also wanted to set an example for her three younger siblings so they could witness first-hand what’s possible when you pursue higher education.

As she prepared to receive her bachelor’s in psychology, Thomas was one of 10 CSUN students to receive the Visionary Women NextGen Scholars Award for 2024-25.

“As I neared graduation and looked toward pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology, the financial burden of continuing my education loomed large,” Thomas said. “This scholarship will provide the support I need to continue my mission of uplifting Black youth, both within my family and in my broader community. Also, I thought it would be neat to get a scholarship with the title of ‘Visionary Woman!’”

Visionary Women Executive Director Ani B. Packard said that the scholarship was designed not only to help students pay for their education, but also to help them experience the full depth and breadth of the university experience without needing to take on a second job or stretch themselves too thin due to financial burdens.

“We want to shed a light on and celebrate the students’ individual journeys that require overcoming several hurdles to get to where they are,” said Packard, who leads the social impact organization that drives change for pressing issues facing women and girls. “It’s not just about their GPA. It’s about their individual stories that embody the spirit of resilience, self-growth and the desire to give back.””

The scholarship is open to students who are the first in their families to attend college, with preference for those enrolled in a work-study program at CSUN, are involved in campus-based programs that advance the cause of gender equity, and who meet other requirements listed on the CSUN Academic Works scholarship criteria page.

“We’re proud to support the students of CSUN through our NextGen Scholars initiative,” Packard said. “Caitlynn Thomas embodies Visionary Women NextGen Scholar’s mission by overcoming systemic barriers as a first-generation college student while uplifting her community through academic excellence and mentorship. Her leadership and dedication reflect the values of ambition, resilience and creating lasting impact; we’re proud to call Caitlynn a Visionary Woman.”

Thomas said that the Visionary Women scholarship will help lighten the load as she enters grad school in the fall. She explained how vital it is for women of color to receive a higher education.

“It means the world to be a part of the growing number of Black women who are educated,” she said. “I’m the oldest of four, and to show my siblings, especially my younger sister, the doors that education can open is imperative to me. Aside from my love for psychology and science, I love to be a trailblazer for my siblings. And I’m elated to be able to share the things I’ve been achieving with my family. To have an organization like Visionary Women that believes in my vision warms my heart.”

For more information on supporting CSUN scholarships or creating a fund of your own, please contact the CSUN Office of Development at (818) 677-2786 or development@csun.edu.

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