An organization in Philadelphia is helping some first-generation college students break down the barriers that keep them from getting a higher education, reports CBS 3.

If anyone understands what it means to take a leap of faith, it’s Lestine Paye and her family.

“My parents were born in Liberia, so was I,” Paye said. “My parents and I moved here when I was 11 years old for better opportunities.”

Part of that meant getting a college degree in the United States, thousands of miles from home.

That sacrifice finally paid off with Paye graduating from Upper Darby High School thanks to a non-profit program called College Possible.

Paye was one of 150 high school juniors and seniors celebrating their path to college recently.

The organization makes university dreams a reality for low income high school students through coaching and support. They help find scholarships, and work on SAT prep and college applications.

The Philadelphia chapter of College Possible is currently helping about 2,000 students get into college and stay there once they’re enrolled.

Paye is headed to Penn State University in the fall, but she is already looking beyond the bachelors degree.

Read more about Lestine Paye here.

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