First Gen Scholars program celebrates student successes and seeks future funding

The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) Board of Trustees convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss various topics, with a significant focus on the First Gen Scholars program. The meeting highlighted the program's impact on students and the importance of continued funding.

Jonathan Burgos, the executive director of First Gen Scholars, opened the discussion by expressing gratitude for the board's support. He reported that over the past two years, the program has assisted more than 100 students, helping them secure over $8 million in scholarships and increasing college application rates. Burgos emphasized the personal stories of students, including notable achievements such as full-ride offers to prestigious universities like Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania.

Several students shared their experiences with the program. Bridal Abe, president of the First Gen club at Olympian High School, spoke about her acceptance to multiple universities and the inspiration she found in helping her peers navigate the college application process. Damian Viscara, president of the First Gen Scholars Club at Montgomery High School, described how the program connected him with like-minded students and provided essential guidance.

Other students, including Towa Hernandez and Randy Guerrero, detailed their scholarship successes and the confidence they gained through the program. Guerrero noted his early acceptance to USC and UC Berkeley, attributing his achievements to the support from First Gen Scholars. Joshua Nangari shared his unique accomplishment of receiving a scholarship from Orbis, highlighting the program's role in his success.

The testimonies underscored the program's broader impact on the community, with students expressing a desire to help others through mentorship and support. Nathan De Jesus, ASB Vice President at Sweetwater High School, emphasized the lasting connections formed within the program and the ongoing support provided to students even after the summer program concluded.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued funding for the First Gen Scholars program, as students and staff alike recognized its vital role in expanding college access for underrepresented populations. The board's support is seen as crucial for sustaining the program's momentum and ensuring future generations of students can benefit from its resources and guidance.