Esperanza Education Fund

In 2024, the Esperanza Education Fund awarded $20,000 in scholarships to students bound for community college! For many of our scholars, these scholarships are the difference between pursuing their dreams and putting them on hold.

But we can't do this alone. We need 15 champions to step up and commit to giving $15 a month by December 31, 2024. Your support will create a steady foundation for each scholar's success, funding mentorship, Career Day, and future scholarships.

Join us in empowering these bright students to achieve their goals, sign up for a monthly gift today: esperanzafund.org/sustaining-supporters

Esperanza recently earned a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency!

Check out our nonprofit profile to keep up to date with our impact. www.guidestar.org/profile/26-4035461

Keep this link handy, we want to make sure you always have the
information you need to support our work with trust and confidence.

For our incredible and deserving scholars, the Esperanza scholarship is often life-changing. It opens doors to higher education, many of which were once out of reach, and can change the trajectory of their lives forever. This scholarship isn't just financial aid; it’s a powerful reminder of the life-altering impact we, as a community, can make in the lives of immigrant students. It’s your generosity and belief in their potential that fuels their success, and we couldn’t be more proud to have you as part of the Esperanza family.
As we welcome in the 2024 cohort, we also commemorate Esperanza’s 15th anniversary—a milestone that fills us with immense pride as we look toward the next 15 years, with hopes of continuing to support immigrant students on their journey to success. In celebration of this momentous event, we are excited to announce the launch of our Sustaining Supporters monthly giving program. We invite you to join us in this new initiative through our “15 x 15 for our 15th” campaign by making a monthly commitment of $15 or more.

By joining our Sustaining Supporters, you help ensure that Esperanza can continue providing scholarships and resources for immigrant students for years to come. Please consider becoming a part of their journey by contributing today: esperanzafund.org/sustaining-supporters

We’re thrilled to announce the induction of our 2024 scholar cohort for Esperanza's 15th Anniversary Scholarship! This week, the Esperanza Education Fund held a special ceremony where 5 incredible students were awarded scholarships and welcomed into the Esperanza community. Surrounded by donors, supporters, mentors, volunteers, and their families, our scholars begin an exciting new chapter in higher education.

Help us support our current scholars and another 15 years of future cohorts by becoming a donor through our ‘15 x 15 for our 15th' campaign. Make a $15 or more monthly commitment before the year's end to celebrate Esperanza’s 15th Anniversary! Click below to commit to a monthly gift: esperanzafund.org/sustaining-supporters

DAF Day is HERE, DAF with us!

Reach out to us by DM or email for information on how to give.

We'd love for you to join us for DAF Day on October 10th!

DM us if you have any questions!

We're proud to be founding launch partners for DAF Day: a new kind of giving day to redefine how donor-advised funds are used and who uses them.

Join us for DAF Day on October 10th! Comment or message us to learn more!

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At Esperanza, our commitment to empowering and uplifting scholars on their higher education journey goes beyond financial aid. We firmly believe that mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding students toward success in their academic and career pursuits.

We are reaching out to professionals in our community who are willing to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young scholars.

As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to:
Support Scholars Academically: Help our scholars excel in their classes, navigate study challenges, and provide academic guidance to foster a love for learning.
Facilitate Career Growth: Guide students in exploring potential career paths, finding internships, and taking steps towards achieving their professional goals.
Be a Trusted Confidant: Offer your wisdom and experience as a sounding board for their questions, concerns, and seeking advice.

How to Apply:
We welcome all professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our scholars to apply as mentors. Please fill out the application form linked below by September 1.
https://lnkd.in/eD8QXxAM

If you know other individuals who might be interested in being a mentor, we encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks!

For any questions or further information, please don't hesitate to contact us: [email protected].

Three years ago, Gabriela and her family made the decision to leave El Salvador behind, driven by the hope of better opportunities and a brighter future in the United States. But upon their arrival, they were met with harsh realities—economic hardship, illness within the family, and the daunting language barrier. Without the means to secure their own home, they share a living space with other renters.

Yet, even in the face of these challenges, Gabriela has remained unwavering in her commitment to her community and education. She volunteers with the Spanish Honor Society, where she passionately promotes cultural understanding and language learning. Her bilingual skills also enable her to work as a Spanish tutor, helping others navigate the complexities of a new language.

This fall, Gabriela will begin her studies in engineering at Northern Virginia Community College. She is driven by a powerful vision: to develop energy solutions that are both affordable and sustainable, aiming to ease the financial burden on struggling families while advancing environmental conservation. Through her education, Gabriela aspires to create real, tangible change, improving the quality of life for others and contributing to a more sustainable world.

The vital financial and programmatic support Esperanza provides is made possible only through the generosity of our community members. Your donation today, or a commitment as a monthly donor, will directly support their journeys. Donate: esperanzafund.org/donate

Did You Know? Nearly 1 in 3 community college students in the U.S. are immigrants, and are often the first in their family to seek higher education. These students face unique challenges, from language barriers to financial hardship to lack of access to federal and state funding, but they are determined to succeed.

✨ The Esperanza Education Fund works to provide scholarships to immigrant students that otherwise might not have access to financial support. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders by donating or consider becoming a monthly donor.

📚 Every contribution counts—whether big or small, your generosity makes a world of difference. Donate today: esperanzafund.org/donate

Michael’s journey is inspired by the sacrifices and relentless determination of his parents, who immigrated to the United States from El Salvador in pursuit of better opportunities for their family. Their unwavering commitment to providing Michael and his younger sister with a solid education and a supportive environment has fueled his own drive for success.

Michael has approached his education with exceptional dedication and ambition. During high school, he took advantage of the Frederick Community College program to earn college credits ahead of time. He also engaged in the Frederick County Career and Technology Center program, where he discovered his passion for mechanical engineering. Michael's talent is demonstrated through his achievements: he secured first place at the state level twice in the SkillsUSA technical drafting contest, represented Maryland with distinction, and earned both silver and gold medals in his debut year. In 2024, he obtained a silver medal at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

This fall, Michael will study Mechanical Engineering at Frederick Community College. In addition to the Esperanza Scholarship, he was also awarded the Vernon E. Stup Company Scholarship.

The vital financial and programmatic support Esperanza provides is made possible only through the generosity of our community members. Your donation today, or a commitment as a monthly donor, will directly support their journeys. Donate: esperanzafund.org/donate

Stephanie’s journey began when her mother immigrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities and a better future for her family who stayed behind in Honduras. Shouldering the immense responsibility of providing for her multigenerational family, Stephanie’s mother worked three jobs to support her children and parents, while also caring for Stephanie’s quadriplegic father.

Although Stephanie was born in the United States, her mother made the difficult decision to send her to live with her grandparents at an early age, unable to balance the demands of multiple jobs, living expenses, and childcare, all while coping with a cancer diagnosis.

Upon returning to the US as a teen, Stephanie immediately began working to help pay the rent for the single room they could afford. Despite these challenges and the demands of balancing school and work, Stephanie has excelled academically. She attended the Academies of Louden, a prestigious magnet school, and has obtained certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), driven by her passion for the healthcare field.

Stephanie plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College to earn her Associate’s degree in Nursing, with aspirations to transfer to George Mason University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

The vital financial and programmatic support Esperanza provides is made possible only through the generosity of our community members. Your donation today, or a commitment as a monthly donor, will directly support their journeys. Donate: esperanzafund.org/donate

Gabriela's journey began in El Salvador, where her family made the difficult decision to leave their home country in search of safety and a better future. Arriving in the United States, Gabriela faced the challenge of not speaking the language and the daunting task of repeating high school. During her senior year, she also had to move out of her home after her father pressured her to leave school and work to support the family financially.

Despite these obstacles, Gabriela's determination remained strong. She tackled the language barrier head-on by enrolling in English classes, seeking out extra practice, and taking on additional assignments from her teachers. To support herself, she worked part-time at Target and served as an instructional aide with Arlington Public Schools, assisting autistic students.

In addition to her academic efforts, Gabriela is a talented writer, with her poetry published in an anthology sponsored by the American Academy of Poets. She also participated in a research project with the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program.

Gabriela dreams of being the first woman in her family to graduate with a college degree, and will attend Northern Virginia Community College this fall. In addition to the Esperanza Scholarship, Gabriela also received the Dream Project Scholarship and the Arlington Community Foundation Scholarship.

The vital financial and programmatic support Esperanza provides is made possible only through the generosity of our community members. Your donation today, or a commitment as a monthly donor, will directly support their journeys! Donate: esperanzafund.org/donate

At just 10 years old, Emilay and her family left Brazil behind, stepping into an unfamiliar world where they couldn’t speak the language and faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a new culture. Her parents, also battling the language barrier, faced an uphill struggle to find stable employment.

Despite initial obstacles, Emilay's perseverance allowed her to acclimate and excel academically. In high school, she was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Merit Award, given to the top 5% of students in the senior class across the state. Additionally, she was a member of the National Technical Honor Society and participated in the ROTC program, the Latin Dance Club, and the International Club, where she served as a cultural ambassador.

During her senior year, she furthered her academic pursuits by enrolling in Dual Enrollment courses at Frederick Community College (FCC), earning credit for four college-level courses.

Emilay's hopes to one day become an office manager at a dentistry practice, inspired by her desire to help others achieve the confidence that comes with a healthy smile—a challenge she mentions she has personally experienced. This fall, she will begin her studies at Frederick Community College.

You can support Emilay on her journey by donating today: esperanzafund.org/donate

In celebration of our 15th Anniversary, Esperanza is proud to dedicate this year’s awards exclusively to students pursuing Associate Degrees in the DMV area. Beyond the challenges related to documentation that many immigrant students face, many of our applicants—especially those looking to attend community college—often shoulder additional responsibilities. They work to finance their education, care for younger siblings, serve as their family's translator and cultural ambassador, and contribute to household expenses, including supporting their families abroad.

We are thrilled to welcome five new scholars into the Esperanza community and to recognize their incredible perseverance. These students are overcoming formidable barriers in their pursuit of higher education, and their determination inspires us all.

The vital financial and programmatic support Esperanza provides is made possible only through the generosity of our community members. Donate today, or a commitment as a monthly donor, will directly support their journeys and help them achieve their dreams:

https://www.esperanzafund.org/donate

Did you know? Immigrant and first-generation students in the DMV metro area are 50% more likely to never go to college than their U.S.-born peers.

Esperanza impacts students who are less likely to seek higher education without the financial support of organizations like Esperanza. Unlike most other scholarship programs, we serve all immigrants regardless of national origin, ethnicity, and immigration status.

Join us in supporting more students to achieve their academic dreams by donating to our education fund: esperanzafund.org/donate

You can read more about our scholars and their stories on our website esperanzafund.org.

Esperanza is seeking volunteers to read and evaluate applications for our 2024 Scholars selection!

Our application window is open until July 1, and your assistance in identifying potential finalists for an interview is invaluable. The high volume of remarkable applications underscores the pressing need for funding for immigrant students seeking higher education in our area. While reviewing, you will gain insight into the personal narratives and unique journeys of our applicants. The physical and figurative distance traveled by applicants is nothing short of impressive and admirable.

As a volunteer, the commitment is manageable—you only need to review ten applications, roughly equivalent to an evening's work. If you choose to read at least 50 applications, you will have the privilege of fast-tracking an applicant of your choice to the next review round.

If you are interested in supporting us, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/MH4DLD89hjA5yhdr7

Have questions? Contact [email protected]

Esperanza is looking for passionate and committed individuals to join our volunteer Board for the term beginning August 2024!

For full details and specific board positions, visit our board recruit posting on Idealist.

Board Members (Treasurer, Development Chair, General - Volunteer) POSITION TYPE: Volunteer (unpaid) REMOTE: DC Metro Area (Based) *Available for 2 - 4 in-person and/or virtual engagements annually START DATE: No Later than August 2024 BOARD MEMBER ROLES NEEDED: Trea

Dear Esperanza community,

We’d like to provide scholarship applicants and volunteers and donors with an important update regarding the 2024 Esperanza Education Fund scholarship.

In celebration of our 15th anniversary, Esperanza will deepen our mission to bring critical financial aid to those most overlooked and underserved in the competitive scholarship process. In 2024, we look forward to awarding $20,000 in funding to applicants exclusively pursuing two-year Associate Degrees in the DMV area.

For 15 years, we dedicated our efforts to supporting exemplary immigrant and first-generation college students across the board. Scores of past scholarship applications illuminated for us the complex hardships our applicants experience that prevents them from consideration for other academic financial aid and scholarships. In addition to the obstacles they face related to documentation, many Esperanza applicants also work to finance their tuition, act as caretakers of younger siblings, serve as their family's translator and cultural ambassador, and provide additional income to pay household bills and support their families abroad. The physical and figurative distance traveled by immigrant students seeking higher education in the United States is nothing short of impressive and admirable.

In 2024, we seek to recognize that ‘the distance traveled' carries a heavy weight and, for some students, the lack of a robust high school resume, the time for extracurricular activities, and straight As on a report card decreases competitiveness for scholarships for otherwise deserving candidates.

Focusing our efforts on serving this applicant pool allows us to: acknowledge the significance of these journeys; celebrate and expand opportunities for high-potential but often overlooked applicants; and uphold our mission through this strategic use of our resources. The 2024 Esperanza scholarship timeline is as follows:

Scholarship application open: May 15 - July 1
Finalist interviews: July 20-31
Winner announcement: August 1

Information on full eligibility, award process, and timeline can be found at esperanzafund.org/2024-scholarships. Please reach out to [email protected] for specific questions at any time.

Esperanza is eager to stay engaged with our current scholars, alumni, volunteers, and donors this year, and has big things in the works toward this aim. We hope to invite you to our 15th Anniversary Celebration this fall to share more. Stay tuned for details!

Best,
The Esperanza team

As we wrap up another year, we thank you for your support of Esperanza's mission to provide transformative scholarships and programming to local undocumented students in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Your financial contribution to bringing higher education to immigrants or children of immigrants impacts not just our scholars, but also their families and communities.

In 2023, your gifts made possible:

-University scholarships for 40+ scholars, including 7 graduations in 2023.
-The addition of 6 new students to the program, who are studying to be engineers, nurses, doctors, and lawyers.
-Two professional development webinars for scholars, covering networking, internships, mental health and other themes.
For 2024, your financial contribution will help us continue guaranteeing vital programming for Esperanza scholars. Please consider donating generously to the Esperanza Education Fund this holiday season and help us continue supporting the next generation of Esperanza Scholars and immigrant leaders.

Donate today: https://www.esperanzafund.org/donate

As we wrap up another year, we thank you for your support of Esperanza's mission to provide transformative scholarships and programming to local undocumented students in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Your financial contribution to bringing higher education to immigrants or children of immigrants impacts not just our scholars, but also their families and communities.

In 2023, your gifts made possible:

-University scholarships for 40+ scholars, including 7 graduations in 2023.
-The addition of 6 new students to the program, who are studying to be engineers, nurses, doctors, and lawyers.
-Two professional development webinars for scholars, covering networking, internships, mental health and other themes.

For 2024, your financial contribution will help us continue guaranteeing vital programming for Esperanza scholars. Please consider donating generously to the Esperanza Education Fund this holiday season and help us continue supporting the next generation of Esperanza Scholars and immigrant leaders.

Donate today: https://www.esperanzafund.org/donate