Valedictorian Mary Hansard first learned about Cleveland State University’s Pratt Center and it’s various scholarship and support programs during her senior year at Euclid High School.

That moment set her on a path that would change everything.

Hansard, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership and urban studies from the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, walked across the stage during commencement exercises Dec. 13. She realized her dream of earning a college degree thanks, in part, to being a recipient of the Mathilde Jane Gutow (MJG) Endowed Fund and the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program.

The Pratt Center, established in 2017 in honor of Dr. Charleyse Pratt, a longtime academic leader at CSU, supports youth who are aging out of foster care or have experienced foster care and aspire to pursue an undergraduate degree. Both the Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowed Fund and the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program are part of the Pratt Center and provide opportunities for highly motivated youth aging out of foster care to pursue an undergraduate degree at Cleveland State University. 

The programs offer access to a world-class education at Cleveland State University, along with a customized support system designed to meet students’ academic, social and financial needs. 

The ultimate goal is to help participants transition smoothly to independent living, engage in learning that supports their personal and professional development, and ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree.

“Support from the Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowed Fund and the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program really helped me work toward my degree at CSU and from the start, they showed me how important education is, and they connected me with mentors through CSU and the program who encouraged me to stay on track and accomplish my goals,” said Hansard, who has been a regular on the dean’s list every semester. “It also gave me hope that even though I came from foster care, it didn’t mean I couldn’t earn a degree like anyone else. I always wanted to attend Cleveland State, and being part of such a supportive program helped me stay focused and continue loving my experience at CSU.”

Jarrett Pratt, senior director of the Sullivan-Deckard Program and Student Engagement, said Hansard’s story illustrates the intentional design of the Pratt Center’s multilayered support model.

“While Mary initially entered Cleveland State through the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program, she recognized early in her journey that its structure and framework did not align with her a non-traditional schedule,” said Pratt. “Rather than leaving the university, Mary transitioned to the Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowed Fund—a Pratt Center resource specifically designed to support students whose circumstances fall outside the Sullivan-Deckard framework.” 

He added: “The MJG Fund's flexibility allowed Mary to pursue her degree on her own terms while remaining connected to the community and foundation she had established. Her success speaks not only to her determination but also to the Pratt Center's recognition that foster youth are not a monolith; sustainable support requires pathways that meet students where they are.”

Hansard said that although it may be a daunting task, students should never let the pressure or the process of applying for scholarships get in the way of trying.

“I think everyone should apply for scholarships because I truly believe people can achieve anything they believe in,” she said. “If you have the chance to apply for scholarships or grants, you should go for it. You never know what you might get, and you miss out on every opportunity you don’t try for.”

She is also quick to credit CSU for playing a major role in her success, thanks not only to the services that helped her stay motivated and on track, but also to the writing center, tutors and teachers who went the extra mile.

“CSU’s workshops and classes also helped me build professionalism, discipline and strong learning skills; my counselors checked in on my progress and made sure I was taking the right classes and actually happy with my major,” she said. “CSU has so many great programs and resources, and if you use them, they can really support your success. There’s truly a resource for everything!”

As Hansard prepares to graduate and realize her dream, she shared this advice for students:

“Scholarships matter and staying focused matters. I want everyone to know that they are capable of learning and achieving things they may think they can’t,” she said. “You’ll always face decisions that some people will support, and others won’t, but at the end of the day, you have to believe in yourself. Only you truly know your own strengths and weaknesses, and knowing yourself is important.”

“You can adapt to anything and keep learning along the way. Don’t give up on yourself, and don’t let anyone make you feel less than who you are. You can do anything.”

To learn more about the Pratt Center, click here.