Derrius Quarles is a social entrepreneur, author, and advocate dedicated to increasing access to higher education for marginalized communities. Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, he spent 13 years in foster care, navigating multiple foster homes and public housing. Despite these challenges, Derrius secured over $1 million in scholarships before graduating from Kenwood Academy High School, becoming the first in his family to attend college, and breaking generational cycles of poverty.
The Problem
Higher education in America has gotten systematically more expensice over the last five decades. Many low-income students face significant barriers to higher education, including limited access to information about scholarships and financial aid. This lack of resources often results in increased student loan debt or the inability to attend college altogether.
The Solution
In 2011, Derrius founded Million Dollar Scholar, an education technology social enterprise aimed at helping low-income high school students acquire scholarships and grants for higher education. Through workshops, coaching, and resources, Million Dollar Scholar has assisted over 55,000 students in securing more than $5.5 million in scholarships and grants.
The Motivation
Derrius spent 13 years of his childhood in foster care and public housing. He had a keen understanding of how poverty, income inequality, and disenfranchisement impact lives. As a first-generation college student, he secured over $1M in college scholarships. Witnessing the challenges faced by his peers in foster care and his community, he was inspired to create Million Dollar Scholar to provide the guidance and resources he wished he had during his own educational journey. He won the scholarship game; his business helps others do the same.
The Lessons
Derrius's journey offers valuable lessons in resilience and social entrepreneurship. His ability to transform personal hardship into a platform for social change demonstrates the power of leveraging one's experiences to address systemic issues. Additionally, his success underscores the importance of mentorship and community support in empowering individuals to break through systemic barriers and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Derrius Quarles exemplifies how determination and a commitment to social justice can lead to transformative change. Through Million Dollar Scholar, he continues to inspire and equip students to pursue higher education, breaking down financial barriers and fostering a more equitable society.