Did you know 74% of first-generation college students do not graduate?
Did you know that 74% of first-generation college students do not graduate (Pew Research)?
Meet Kimberly
First-generation Student |Family Translator | Sister’s Tutor
As the first-born child to parents who don’t speak English, getting through high school was challenging for Kimberly. She didn’t have older siblings or parents who could help her with her schoolwork like many of her classmates did.
Determined to succeed, Kimberly established a network of resources to help her grow academically through friendships, the Internet, and academic clubs.
Kimberly’s resourcefulness did more than just help her in school. With the skills she's developed, she helps her parents navigate life in a country where they don’t speak their native tongue. Her family relies on her to translate conversations and documents, make phone calls, and schedule appointments. She is also able to assist her younger sister who has Down Syndrome with her schoolwork.
Proud to be a first-generation college student, Kimberly plans on accepting her offer to join the Cal Poly Scholar program. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, her goal is to get a teaching credential to become a math instructor.
Because she knows how to push through hard times with effort and perseverance, Kimberly knows she has what it takes to achieve her dreams.
More than a Scholarship:
First-generation students have more barriers – they cannot ask their parents how to navigate the system, budgets are often tight, and they can feel guilty for leaving their families.
By providing a mix of financial aid and mentorship, the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship helps boost graduation rates and develop a qualified workforce that is committed to serving their community.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 to provide academic opportunities to children of vineyard and winery workers like Kimberly — but we’ll only reach that goal through the kindness and generosity of people like you.
Will you support us on GivingTuesday?
