The Freshman Project Foundation: A Dream Turned Reality

In 2016, my cousin and I had a conversation about the hidden costs of college—particularly the overlooked expenses of dorm room essentials. We reflected on how these basic yet crucial items could pose a challenge for low-income students, potentially impacting their transition into college life.

That conversation stayed with me. Then, in 2018, I had a dream that brought it all back, but this time, with a vision for how I could make a difference. The name of an organization came to me, along with ideas on how to support incoming college freshmen. When I woke up, I immediately wrote everything down, knowing this was something I needed to pursue.

Over the past year, I dedicated myself to researching statistics, learning about nonprofit organizations, and developing a plan to turn my vision into reality. After thoughtful discussions with my husband and younger cousins who had recently graduated from college, I compiled a list of essential dorm room items that would greatly benefit first-time college students.

Today, I am proud to announce that what started as an idea has become a reality. As of 2020, The Freshman Project Foundation is officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to ease the transition for new college students by providing 20 incoming freshmen with a box filled with essential dorm room supplies—giving them one less thing to worry about as they embark on this new journey.

But we can’t do this alone. With your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—we can help more students start college on the right foot.

Join us in making a difference!

Tireka Nicholson-Ingram
Founder, The Freshman Project Foundation