Scholar Spotlight: Kye Philips

We’re thrilled to shine the Scholar Spotlight on Kye Philips, a Class of 2026 Scholar from Regina Dominican High School. Kye spent her summer participating in the Pre-College Rising Senior Program at Hampton University, where she earned A’s in both of her college-level classes—Oral Communication and African American History. During the program, she experienced campus life firsthand, including living in a university dorm. She worked with students from all over the country and had the opportunity to meet Hampton’s president, which was an unforgettable moment for her.

Here are some of Kye’s reflections on her summer:

Through this program, I had the opportunity to take real college classes, connect with amazing professors like Dr. Karen Ward (my Oral Communications professor), and learn how to adjust to living on my own. I also had the chance to grow as a communicator and leader, which I know will continue to open doors for me in the future.

At first, I was scared and homesick, since it was my first time leaving my family and flying alone. But as time went on, I grew more confident, independent, and motivated. By the end of the program, I wasn’t the same person—I had faced my fears, learned new skills, and discovered strength I didn’t know I had.

In my classes, I learned how to use my voice to tell meaningful stories, and I found that I could succeed in challenging coursework. Outside of class, I learned how to live with others, protect my peace, and embrace my right to take up space in any room. Most importantly, I learned that resilience, faith, and courage are just as important as grades.

Some of my favorite experiences were giving my speech on gun violence in my Oral Communications class, meeting new friends and classmates, and meeting Hampton’s president. Each of those moments showed me the power of my own voice, reminded me that I belonged at Hampton, and inspired me to dream bigger. 

I was very proud to earn A’s in both of my classes. That success proved to me that I am capable of excelling at college-level work, which gave me confidence that I can carry through all four years of college.

After experiencing this program, I hope to carry forward the lesson of always taking up space and never shrinking myself. I want to bring this mindset with me through the rest of high school, into college, and throughout my life. Hampton taught me to be courageous, confident, and ready to lead—and those lessons will stay with me as I continue my journey.

I want to sincerely thank LINK for the support you’ve given me throughout this journey. You encouraged me to push myself and gave me the foundation I needed to believe I could handle a challenge like Hampton. Because of your help, I was able to receive a $4,000 scholarship from the Father Foundation, and I’m beyond grateful. I also want to thank you for the $250 in gift cards—your generosity means so much to me and my family. 

In my classes, I truly felt like I represented who Kye Phillips is—and none of it would’ve been possible without the foundation LINK has helped me build. From my freshman year to now, you have helped me build confidence, stay focused, and prepare academically. That preparation gave me the strength to take risks, like flying alone, stepping into a college program, and knowing that I belonged there. Thank you for pouring into me, believing in me, and helping me become better, times ten!

Way to go, Kye! We are so proud of you!