Lydia
In 2023, she decided to learn more about Truman, which was just minutes from her home. That decision changed her outlook on education and her life.
Olive-Harvey College alumnus Dajuan Matthews has not let any obstacle stand in his way. Drawn to Olive-Harvey through Project Evolve, a tuition-free scholarship program, he began his studies online but quickly realized he wanted to be more engaged on campus. Dajuan reinstated the African American Studies Association, which helped him connect with classmates and become an active part of the Olive-Harvey community.
Along the way, he leaned on campus resources—whether it was finding support to get to class or even getting his gas turned back on. What he values most is the camaraderie.
“People at Olive-Harvey genuinely ask how you’re doing,” he says.
Dajuan is now studying computer science at Chicago State University. He credits networking and building relationships as vital tools in his success.
