A Letter from the Founder
As founder of Aiming Forward College Foundation, what is my motivation and vision for this organization?
There are various factors that have motivated me to establish a stipend for low-income college students that are living independently.
On my path to success, I have received a great deal of emotional support and encouragement. As I reflect upon my journey, I am deeply grateful to know that despite being an immigrant, I’ve achieved my professional goals. I am inspired to motivate those that need the kind of support that my mentors and other caring adults extended to me. In addition, I realize that not every high school student, desiring an advanced education, is lucky enough to have mentors, role models, or parents that can assist them to believe in themselves as well as have the financial means and/or knowledge of financial resources to advance them on their path to a degree. Many students, living independently, and aiming for a degree, find that a lack of finances for tuition, books, and living expenses, creates a burden on their journey of achievement. Many times, students get accepted to prestigious universities but feel forced to decline, due to a lack of financial means. For those that accept the challenge, they find themselves juggling a full class schedule while working forty hours a week.
From experience, I know how overwhelming this situation can be as well as its negative impact on academic performance and graduation rate. Subsequently, Aiming Forward College Foundation’s vision is to assist low-income college students, living independently, maximize their success in acquiring a degree from a distinguished university by providing the guidance and support that they need, as well as a monthly stipend ranging from $400-$500 for basic necessities. Additionally, awarded participants will be encouraged to mentor one high school student to assist them in navigating their road to college.
Your support and donation can contribute to a higher graduation rate amongst these deserving and impressive students.
Respectfully yours,
Enelida Alvarez
Enelida Alvarez, Director/Founder
LCSW, MSW, ACBT
Jezreel Supetran, LCSW, MSW
Vice President
My name is Jezreel Supetran and my background is in social work. I joined this foundation because of its mission to support the educational aspirations of low-income students. I grew up with my parents who emphasized the importance of education. My dad always said throughout my childhood, that my job was to study and go to school. With that message embedded in me and my parent’s support, I achieved. From personal experience, education can open doors and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. With your contribution to our foundation, we can open many doors to our deserving students.
Jose Rojas, Associate of Arts (AA)
Treasurer
My name is Jose Rojas and I work for the District Attorney’s office, Bureau of Victim Services as a Claims Specialist and victim advocate for 22 years and counting. I decided to join the Aiming Forward College foundation because I believe in the mission of students achieving their highest potential. As an immigrant and coming from immigrant parents, I can relate to the financial stressors and lack of knowledge in maneuvering the college route. I attended college but unfortunately, I didn’t continue due to my focus being divided between a full time school schedule and a full time job. I feel that this foundation will be an agent for change and will contribute to a more positive outcome in which many deserving students will benefit.
Viviana Martinez, LCSW, MSW
Secretary
I am a first-generation college graduate as well as a first-generation American. I grew up with two Mexican immigrant parents that wanted me to have a better life and future; education was the way that life would come to fruition. I currently work in a public school as well as see clients in private practice. I am part of this foundation because I recognize the challenges that students face today. The cost of living is much higher and making ends meet, especially for someone that is in school, is extremely challenging. Having the stipend could be the make-it or break-it for a student to finish their degree. I want to support persons of color further their education and to have the opportunity for a brighter future.