Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the College Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Five Springdale students matched through QuestBridge to Yale, Caltech, UChicago, Washington University and Washington & Lee
Summary
Springdale recognized five seniors who matched to top colleges through QuestBridge; students described academic goals and next steps and district staff outlined the QuestBridge process and estimated the four-year value of offers.
The Springdale School Board on March 11 honored five seniors who matched to national colleges through QuestBridge, a college-match program for high-achieving students from low- and middle-income backgrounds.
Ashley Tarvin, who supports students through the QuestBridge process, described it as a selective national program that identifies about 1% of applicants and offers matched students four-year scholarships that include tuition and a semester stipend. She told the board QuestBridge is effectively a recruitment and full-ride opportunity with support networks on campus.
The students and their matched colleges announced at the meeting were: - Frank Gomez, matched with California Institute of Technology (Caltech). - Edaina Heng, matched with Yale University. - Glenn Nolan, matched with the University of Chicago. - Alan Maldonado, matched with Washington University in St. Louis. - Diego Hernandez, matched with Washington & Lee University.
Several students spoke to the board about their choices and plans. Edaina Heng, a Harbor High senior who said she plans to study health care, said Yale appealed because it would allow her to pursue STEM and humanities interests without choosing between them. "Yale was a place where I knew I didn't have to sacrifice one part of my academics for another," she said.
Glenn Nolan said he plans to major in computer science with a minor in music performance at the University of Chicago and noted he chose the school after an earlier campus visit. Diego Hernandez said he plans to study bioengineering at Washington & Lee.
Board members and staff noted the financial value of these matches: a district official said QuestBridge matches can be worth roughly $75,000 per year in tuition and room and board at private institutions, though the district cautioned that exact dollar values vary by college and student aid packages.
The board recognized the students and thanked the counselors and teachers who supported their applications and letters of recommendation. Several staff members — including counselors and teachers identified during remarks — were credited for advising and mentoring the students through the application and match process.
Students said they expect to participate in campus orientation events this spring and will be entering college in the fall.
