Maya had quickly learned that finding money required a multi-pronged "hustle":

Maya stood in front of the local library's community board, staring at a flyer for the "Pay It Forward" scholarship. It offered $1,000 for a short essay, and for Maya, that money meant more than just a textbook—it was a step toward a future she wasn't sure her family could afford.

Her journey to find "money for college" had started months ago, and it was more complex than she’d ever imagined. Like 74% of parents today, her mother had tried to save, but hidden expenses like tech, travel, and Greek life meant that tuition was often only half the true cost.