Brianna, Crossroads Success Story through TANF Youth

From an early age, Brianna knew there was a career path just for her: biomedical engineering. Not many middle schoolers dream of building life-saving medical devices—but Brianna did. 💡

“During 8th grade, I started gravitating towards science,” Brianna recalls. “That’s when I realized, ‘I want to be a biomedical engineer.’ Thanks to Crossroads’ SPICE program, I had the opportunity to attend an engineering camp at the University of Akron in my sophomore year. That experience helped me explore different fields and discover my passion for biomedical engineering.”

Now, Brianna is officially enrolled at Vanderbilt University, a top-ranked institution and a major hub in Nashville’s growing health-tech industry. 

As a first-generation college student, the journey was not without its challenges. Brianna credits the Crossroads Foundation and its college counselor, Aaron Chapman, with helping her navigate the complex process.

“I’m the first in my family to go to college, so having someone like Mr. Chap in my corner made all the difference,” says Brianna. “Crossroads prepared me for college by encouraging me to take challenging classes, providing tutoring when needed, and helping me believe that even though college is different, I can handle it.”

In recent years, Partner4Work has proudly supported Crossroads through TANF Youth funding. This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to providing young adults with access to education, training, and the resources they need to succeed in today’s economy. Crossroads has been a strong addition to our provider network, and we are thrilled to see students like Brianna thrive as a result. 

Since 1988, Crossroads Foundation has provided students from diverse backgrounds—especially those from low-income households—with access to a quality high school education and the tools needed for college and career success. Brianna’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of these efforts.

We are incredibly proud of Brianna and excited to see her continue to shine in the field of biomedical engineering!