How Ben Brooks Is Giving Back to the School That Started Him on His Path to Success

As a home-schooled high school student, Ben Brooks always knew college was in his future, he just didn’t know where or how that future would take shape. With encouragement from his parents, Ben enrolled in one class at Brightpoint Community College, to get a feel for college-level work. That one class turned out to be a defining moment in Ben’s journey. 

Today, Ben has a successful career in finance, lives in New York City, and counts degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and New York University’s Stern School of Business among his educational accomplishments. But it was the support and influence of his parents, the financial assistance in the form of a Brightpoint scholarship, and a great experience at Brightpoint, that put in motion the success that he enjoys today. Success made even sweeter, because Ben recently established a new scholarship fund at Brightpoint in honor of his parents.

Encouraged to Succeed

After completing his first class at Brightpoint, Ben was motivated to enroll full time and pursue an associate degree in business administration.

“The business administration courses felt so practical,” he said. He noted that the courses were a “great way” to “round out” his knowledge and prepare him for the transition to a professional career.

As he studied for his degree, he was deeply inspired by other Brightpoint students.

“I was surrounded by people that were there for a purpose—to make something for themselves, to pursue a career, to take care of family,” Ben said. “There was a culture of authenticity and hard work.”

A major milestone in Ben’s journey at Brightpoint was when he received the William H. Talley III Scholarship. The scholarship award became even more meaningful when Ben had an opportunity to meet the donor at the Foundation’s annual scholarship celebration. Ben vividly remembers Mr. Talley saying, “Ben, I have been looking at your progress, and you are doing so well. I am so proud of you.”

These words changed Ben’s perspective for good.

“After meeting the donor of the scholarship, and hearing his encouragement, I went from just pursuing a path, to feeling like I had someone else invested in me and my progress and success,” Ben said. “It gave me the confidence and encouragement to take it up a notch with my academic goals.” 

Transferred with Confidence

With this newly ignited ambition, Ben knew his next step was looking into four-year colleges—and much to his encouragement, the opportunity to talk to a VCU transfer advisor presented itself in the lobby of Brightpoint’s Hamel Hall during a transfer event.  

The event allowed him to explore transfer options to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)—and even apply for admission on the spot. He remembers patiently waiting as an admissions counselor reviewed his application. Moments later, the VCU recruiter approached him with the words, “Congratulations—you’re accepted to VCU.”

“Before attending Brightpoint, I had built up in my head how hard it would be to go to college,” he said. “But Brightpoint made it easy.”

After graduating from Brightpoint in the summer of 2016, Ben began his studies at VCU’s School of Business that fall, and was later accepted into VCU’s honor’s program.

From VCU to the Big Apple

Looking back, Ben is especially grateful for the strong foundation he gained through his community college experience.

“I had 60 credits from Brightpoint that transferred over to VCU, which was amazing,” he said.

Throughout his time at VCU, Ben continued to thrive—he not only graduated from VCU Business School with honors but also completed multiple internships and a study abroad educational opportunity in Greece. 

After graduating from VCU, Ben decided it was time to take the next leap in his career, this time pursuing an MBA at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

“I remember driving across the bridge from Brooklyn into the city, and I just knew it was going to be a challenge,” Ben said. “But I told myself that I would make it work.”

With great determination and motivation, Ben did just that. He graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business with his MBA and then went on to work at American Express, establishing himself in New York City.  

Giving Back

To express gratitude for his community college experience and the foundation it gave him, Ben established The Brooks Family Endowed Scholarship in 2025. This generous gift will now live on at Brightpoint, providing so many opportunities for future students to pursue their education.

“I wanted to offer the same opportunity that I had,” Ben said. “I wanted students to know that you can have the opportunity to do something new. At Brightpoint, you can gain confidence in your abilities, and you can pave a new path.”

When asked what advice he would give to those who are deciding whether to pursue higher education, Ben said, “You don’t know until you try. Sometimes, doing something uncomfortable can lead to growth, and that is so rewarding. Give it a shot and see what happens.”

Ben went on to speak directly to future Brightpoint students: “I want students to know that this is a journey you don’t have to go on alone. You may have friends and family, but you also have so much support at Brightpoint: advisors, instructors, clubs, and many other resources. There is so much support available that will encourage you to continue forward.” 

Ben's inspirational accomplishments and generous support through The Brooks Family Endowed Scholarship demonstrate the power of passing it on. His gift has the potential to impact generations of Brightpoint students.