Six EPISD seniors matched to top universities through QuestBridge program
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Dec. 2, 2020) — A record six EPISD seniors were among the 1,464 scholars nationwide to receive a 2020 QuestBridge National College Match for full rides to one of the nation’s top universities.
Match Scholarship recipients are admitted early to one of 42 QuestBridge college partners with full four-year scholarships that are provided by the colleges and universities, ensuring for these students and their families that an education at a top college can be affordable. The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
EPISD’s six QuestBridge Scholars are:
- Austin High School’s Johana Lara, matched to Princeton University, plans to major in Computer Science and ultimately become a computer programmer. “This means so much to me. I have worked tirelessly to be the best student and person I could be.”
- Andress High School’s Sofia Gomez, matched to University of Notre Dame, will be pursuing a study pre-health supplementary degree, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician and helping underserved communities. “Being matched has allowed me to truly believe in myself regardless of cultural or financial circumstances, even when doubting myself. The QuestBridge Scholarship will guarantee full tuition to Notre Dame, valuing excellence among like-minded individuals to be a powerful source for good in the world.”
- Chapin High School’s Bianca Batista, matched with University of Notre Dame, plans to major in biomolecular engineering and attain a career using engineering technology to enhance the medical field. “Ever since I was little, I always dreamed of getting scholarships and attending a prestigious school. This is truly a testament to how hard work is always worth it and how important it is to realize that no dream is too big.”
- Coronado High School’s Fernando Venegas Felix, matched to University of Chicago, loves math and plans a math-heavy career by majoring in either in computer science or astrophysics. “This decision means so much to me. My dad, who is currently paying tuition for both of my sisters, would have had a difficult time paying for my education as well if I wanted to go out-of-state. Because I am not eligible to fill out the FAFSA as an international student, QuestBridge has helped me receive the aid I need to pursue college. I'm excited to explore the University of Chicago and the big city surrounding it.
- El Paso High School’s Sergio Borunda, matched to Princeton University, is considering a biochemistry or neuroscience degree but ultimately wants to work for a large biotech company or start up one of his own. “Being matched with Princeton means the world to me. It means that everything I did, all the hours I put into school were worth it. With QuestBridge, I can go to my dream school and not have to worry about the financials of it, allowing me to focus on the academics and achieving what I want in college and beyond.”
- Franklin High School’s Eleanor Schoenbrun, matched to Yale University, plans to study molecular, cellular and developmental biology with a concentration in neuroscience to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a dermatologist. “Attending Yale University is something that I have set as my goal since I presented Yale in the college fair at Western Hills Elementary and wore a Yale sweatshirt nearly every day. QuestBridge has closed this gap in affording an Ivy League school like Yale and was able to make my dreams a reality.”
QuestBridge, a national nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California, connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading institutions of higher education and further life opportunities. Match Scholarship recipients are admitted early to one of 42 QuestBridge college partners with full four-year scholarships that are provided by the colleges and universities, ensuring for these students and their families that an education at a top college can be affordable. The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses.