It was the start of his new journey toward more opportunity.
“When [migrants] come here, sometimes you don’t know anything, you don’t know any people. But I just said ‘I’m going to do it anyway, no matter the outcome’,” Pierre said.
Today, he’s on his way to earning a college degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston, with help from First Literacy of Boston.
He was one of 29 adult learners who received a $1,500 scholarship from the nonprofit to help them pay for a college degree or certificate program.
Graduates of any Massachusetts adult basic education or English language learning progams are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which this year were funded by a $300,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust.
Pierre is one of 26 “continuing scholars,” or those who have received a First Literacy Scholarship before. He enrolled last September at UMass to study computer science.
“It really helped me out by not worrying about finances, but also, the encouragement from people that really care or believe in me really motivates me,” he said recently at First Literacy’s office overlooking Boston Common.
First Literacy scholarships aim to close the financial gap for adult learners, particularly newcomers to the United States, according to program director Annie Sferrazza.
“Most of our students are international and are ineligible for most financial aid and scholarships,” Sferrazza said. “We’re excited that we can provide what they need.”
Pierre, the oldest of five, left strife-torn Haiti for a more stable life in the United States. He hopes a college degree will help improve his economic prospects.
“I want to graduate first but I see myself becoming a leader in the tech industry,” Pierre said. “I want to create opportunities for others and use technology to protect people’s lives and organizations.”
His father works as a security guard. His mother never worked outside their home. As the first in his family to go to college, Pierre has had to navigate the higher education world himself.
He’s learned to balance his rigorous studies with a part-time job as a security guard.
The rising cost of college is a significant factor that keeps some people from pursuing higher education, according to Sferrazza.
“Younger generations are apprehensive about it because it’s so expensive,” Sferrazza said. “But any education is worth it, any learning, you have a better understanding of people in general.”
The team at First Literacy encourages adult learners to choose the best path for them, whether it’s a university, community college, trade school or certificate program, she said.
“I don’t think there’s one way for people to progress in their careers or learn, but education is very important,” said Sferrazza, a former teacher.
Pierre’s path to college started at Haiti’s Inuka University, where he developed a passion for cybersecurity.
When he was 17, he got a job as a preventive maintenance manager at a telecommunications company where he worked for five years.
But Pierre believed he could accomplish more. He headed for Boston, where he identified resources to help him get settled.
Just one month after he arrived, Pierre found the Asian American Civic Association, which provides resources for low-income individuals.
He finished their transitional English program and connected with First Literacy, who helped transfer his credits to UMass.
He aspires to a career in cybersecurity.
“The idea of how we protect people and organizations from risk, that’s one of the first things people need,” he said.
Pierre said now more than ever, learning is one of the most valuable investments a person can make.
“There’s a difference between knowledge and education,” he said. “I got my first job because I had knowledge [basic computer skills], but to go further I needed education.”