Meet Helios-Black Leadership Network Scholar: George Carr Danso

Major: Information Technology 

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027 

When I was applying to college, affordability was one of my biggest concerns. With my mom as my only source of support—and her being forced into early retirement due to a long-term illness—I wasn’t sure how I would pay for school. My guidance counselors assured me that scholarships could make college possible, but that was easier said than done.

I was one of many students applying for scholarships, hoping to receive one. As I frequently checked my email, I only saw denial letters. When I was informed that I finally got a scholarship, the Helios Black Leadership Network Scholarship, I felt like an enormous burden lifted from my shoulders.

This was the first USF scholarship I was awarded that would eventually lead to me not having to pay anything for school. When I told my mom, she was very excited because even though she didn’t talk about how she would help me afford school finances, she did not want me to be caught in the loop of paying student loans.

Knowing that someone took the time to listen to my story and believed I was worthy of such a significant scholarship filled me with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility to give back tenfold.

This scholarship has also helped me maintain good friendships and connections by allowing me to live on campus, where I have made many friends, especially the people I lived with in the Honors LLC.

Beyond financial relief, this scholarship has been a driving force in my academic success. It motivates me to maintain a GPA above 3.5 and continue striving for excellence. The sense of belonging and support I’ve found at USF has been invaluable, and the connections I’ve made could lead to future career opportunities.

I am incredibly grateful to BLN and Helios for their generosity. This scholarship has given me hope, stability, and the chance to pursue my dreams without financial strain. My journey is just beginning, and I plan to use my education to give back to my mom, who has sacrificed so much for me and my community.