SATHYA HENDERSON
A PARTICIPANT IN THE MAYOR'S YOUTH PROGRAM
GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

MAY 7, 2009

Sathya Henderson graduated from the University of Chicago in December of 2008 with a 3.80 GPA. He was originally scheduled to graduate in June of 2009, but due to summer school and extra coursework, he was able to graduate early. At the University of Chicago, he majored in English Literature and Language (3.82 GPA). He also had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sathya graduated from North Atlanta High School in May of 2005. Although he was eligible to participate in the Mayor's Youth Program during his senior year, he did not. He enrolled in the University of Georgia where he earned a 3.80 GPA. After his first year, Sathya decided to transfer to the University of Chicago. He did not have enough money to afford the tuition, so his friends suggested he look into the Mayor’s Youth Program and ask Mayor Franklin for help.

Sathya came in and met with Mayor Franklin about his situation. He told her that he had been working during the summer and applying for scholarships and loans to be able to afford the University of Chicago’s tuition but still could not cover it. Mayor Franklin decided to assist him. The next year, Sathya found that his strong academic performance the previous year had made him eligible for several university scholarships and he did not need assistance with tuition or other fees. However, he did need help financing his winter semester study abroad trip to Cape Town, South Africa. Once again, Sathya spoke with Mayor Franklin and the MYP Program about helping to finance his trip. Mayor Franklin encouraged him to apply for other sources of aid before she would agree to help. Sathya applied for the Gilman Scholarship and was selected, financing his two and a half months in South Africa where he studied the country's history and people.

“I am very thankful for everything that Mayor Franklin has done for me. Without her contributions and willingness, my post- secondary education would have been severely hampered. Thank you all for everything.” - Sathya Henderson

Sathya is currently working with the Mayor’s Youth Program to interview students for summer internships. He is interested in becoming a creative writer and enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and hopes to one day write a novel. He would also like to become a professor or lawyer.