Glow First Generation Scholarship Foundation

Every student deserves a chance to shine!

As many of you know, I have been involved in the BUILD program for three years and have had the privilege of watching 40 high school students in East Palo Alto realize their dreams of being accepted to college. BUILD empowers youth from low-income communities to excel in the classroom, on the job, and beyond by giving them an education in entrepreneurship. By encouraging students to develop their own small businesses, BUILD extends traditional entrepreneurial education far beyond the classroom and provides students with real-world business experiences. More information on the BUILD program can be found at www.build.org

The 40 students who have made it through the program have successfully been admitted to college. Almost all of these students will be the first generation of their family to attend college. Unfortunately, many of these students will not be able to attend college due to financial crisis. Some are planning to attend junior college; some are forgoing college all together.

The Glow First Generation Scholarship Foundation is being created to aid these needy students who have done everything in their power to attend college. They plan to work their way through college, but that alone is not enough to cover expenses. The scholarship fund is set up by mentors of the BUILD program who have watched these students mature into college bound adults and are working to help make college a reality for these students.

Note from Edgar, one of the BUILD students:

Dear Friends,

My name is Edgar Molina. I have been accepted to San Jose State for this fall and will be the first in my family to go to college.

My main challenge for pursuing my education is finding funding for college, which is why I am writing to you. I am seeking all possible opportunities to pay for my education. In order for me to attend college I am going to work, obtain loans and hopefully receive one or two scholarships. My parents will help me as much as possible; however, my family is struggling financially and may not able to close the gap between the cost of college and the amount I am able to earn and borrow.

I would be honored if you would consider making a financial contribution in any amount or hiring me to odd jobs for my college education. The money I receive in scholarships and contributions will be used for my tuition, books, computer, and any other school related expenses.

Sincerely,

Edgar Molina