Alumni Update: Claudia Olivero

Claudia Olivero, Tri-County Scholarship Fund Alumna of Mary Help of Christians Academy

From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Claudia’s Journey with Tri-County

When Claudia Olivero looks back on her journey, one theme shines through: opportunity. Today, she’s a rising junior at American University, double majoring in Psychology and Communications, a Dean’s List student, mentor, and budding researcher. But her path to success was anything but easy. Growing up in Paterson, Claudia was raised by her mother, who worked tirelessly to support four children on her own.

“I always wanted something more for myself,” Claudia recalls, “but growing up in Paterson, I knew the path would be difficult to find without help.” A quality education felt out of reach—until Tri-County Scholarship Fund stepped in."

Through the High School Freedom Scholarship, Claudia was able to attend Mary Help of Christians Academy, where she found not only academic rigor but also a caring community that believed in her. That support became especially vital during one of her family’s toughest challenges. During Claudia’s sophomore year, her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unable to work and too weak to return home after treatment, her mother stayed with an aunt while Claudia cared for her younger brothers—all while keeping up with schoolwork. “It wasn’t easy, but the support of Mary Help gave me the strength to keep going,” she says.

For Claudia, the Tri-County scholarship was more than financial aid—it was stability, hope, and a lifeline during a health crisis. It gave her mother peace of mind, knowing Claudia’s education was secure even as the family faced uncertainty.

That foundation has propelled Claudia to thrive in college. At American University, she has not only excelled academically but has also conducted research, presented at conferences, and mentored her peers. She currently juggles multiple jobs—working in psychology labs and campus offices—to save for graduate school, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in School Psychology.

“Every decision I make is part of a larger goal: to continue advancing my education while relieving my family of financial strain,” Claudia says. “Just as the Freedom Scholarship lifted a burden off my mother’s shoulders during high school, I am now working hard to carry that responsibility myself.”

Claudia’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when someone believes in a young person’s potential. Because of the generosity of Tri-County supporters, she was able to break through barriers, inspire her younger brothers, and chart a future dedicated to serving others.

“You’re not just giving students like me tuition assistance,” Claudia says with gratitude. “You are giving young people a real chance—a chance to build a future, to give back to their communities, and to break cycles that might otherwise hold them back. I know this because I am living proof.”

Thanks to Tri-County, Claudia has turned uncertainty into opportunity, and her future is brighter than ever.