Keila – HWA Marin, Sonoma State University

“Being a first-generation student – there are challenges,” says Keila, whose older sister is also a graduate of HWA. Keila received regular check-ins with HWA’s academic case manager to keep her on track to meeting all of the UC/CSU A-G requirements. She also participated in HWA’s SAT & ACT workshops on Saturdays, along with regular tutoring, and college tours hosted by HWA graduates.

“Hearing about their experiences on campus was really helpful,” she says.

When it was time to apply to colleges, HWA staff encouraged Keila to apply to as many scholarships as possible, resulting in her winning two scholarships. At the end of 2018, she will graduate from Sonoma State University with a Spanish major and a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. She hopes to apply to multiple credential programs to become an elementary school teacher in Latino communities because, “I want to work with Spanish speaking kids to motivate them and say, ‘Look – if I can get here, it’s possible for you! So many students in Marin County need this type of support. I hope Huckleberry can continue to receive funding so that they can expand and reach more students!”