Scholarships: Najashi Belcher ’24 Achieves Without Limits

With more than 70 percent of students benefiting from scholarships and financial aid, including 30 percent who are first-generation college students, USF makes higher education accessible. In the 2022–2023 school year alone, the university awarded more than $78 million in need-based scholarships to undergraduates and $17.5 million to graduate, professional, and law students.

Beyond the numbers lie the heartfelt stories of students like Najashi Belcher whose lives have been changed by this program.

A Scholar’s Journey

Meet Najashi Belcher, a senior pursuing a bachelor in science in business administration for Hospitality Management. Hailing from Winston Salem, North Carolina, Belcher's journey at USF epitomizes the transformative impact of education.

"Donor support allows me to be the best version of myself and excel in and out of the classroom,” says Belcher. “I've pushed boundaries, challenged myself, and grown beyond my comfort zone — all while embodying the spirit of magis. This scholarship not only tells my story but inspires kids in my hometown that education knows no bounds if you work hard and stay dedicated."

In his time at USF, Belcher has achieved remarkable goals — becoming a team manager for a basketball team, representing the university in various capacities, securing internships, building a strong network, and studying abroad — all without taking on any loans to finance his education.

Belcher’s motivation to pursue higher education comes from his parent’s educational background, "My wildest dream is to achieve what my parents couldn't and create opportunities for my family,” says Belcher. “USF has allowed me to explore new places and discover more about myself, fulfilling the dreams of my ancestors."

My wildest dream is to achieve what my parents couldn't and create opportunities for my family. USF has allowed me to explore new places and discover more about myself, fulfilling the dreams of my ancestors."

Najashi Belcher ’24

Reflecting on his hospitality major as a graduating senior, Belcher has come to grasp the essence of hospitality as centered around cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Moving beyond the mere act of serving guests, it involves creating a lasting impact on individuals.

Belcher’s advice to prospective students who find themselves in the space of doing the impossible is to, "Dream. Believe. Dare. Do. Challenges are part of the journey. Don't just dream; believe in your dreams and dare to overcome challenges — that's when you truly do what you dream of."

Belcher showcases the direct impact of scholarships, proving that education, when coupled with support, can empower individuals to achieve their dreams and create lasting change in their lives and communities.

Learn more about the impact of your giving.