Determinated Boys Hope Girls Hope Collegian Empowers Success and a Future

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November 20, 2024-Aurora, CO  Entering the academic realm can be both exhilarating and intimidating. With numerous new experiences to embrace, a wealth of knowledge to acquire, and countless opportunities to pursue, it can be quite an adventure. Alejandro, a motivated and ambitious sophomore at Colorado Mesa University, exemplifies how to seize these opportunities. His journey illustrates how one can turn setbacks into stepping stones, using persistence to build a solid foundation for life.

Alejandro has actively participated in Mesa Emerging Designers (MED), where the group recently attended the Brand New Conference in Salt Lake City. This two-day event, organized by UnderConsideration, focuses on corporate and brand identity practices and their connection to graphic design. During the conference, Alejandro networked with a designer from Tijuana, as well as many other industry professionals, in hopes of securing an internship and/or job opportunity. Additionally, in October, Alejandro participated in the Denver Walls Street Art Festival alongside his professor. “Currently, my career goal is to explore every avenue of graphic design available to me. Boys Hope Girls Hope is empowering me to find my voice and carve out my space within my community,” Alejandro shared.

Last year, Alejandro took a semester off from school. However, with his determination and the support from Boys Hope Girls Hope, he is once again thriving at Mesa.  Boys Hope Girls Hope provides long-term empowerment and potential of youth in three different categories: college preparation, college access, and college persistence.  The Boys Hope Girls Hope college persistence programming includes supporting nearly 60 collegians spread across the United Stated with scholarships, support on class selections and majors, partnerships with universities and colleges to provide in person support, connections for on campus health and well-being, and internships/career paths.

“BHGH gave me the confidence and support system to return to school, and I am incredibly thankful for that. While I may not graduate alongside my friends back home, I am on my own unique journey, and I am excited about where my accomplishments will take me in life. I take pride in being a first-generation student, as well as in my heritage, my family, my friends, and most importantly, myself.” Alejandro’s career aspiration is to explore various avenues in graphic design, including freelancing, working in a studio, and, becoming a professor one day.
Alejandro is thriving both academically and beyond the classroom. He recently volunteered with the CMU Special Olympics, coaching a swim team for individuals with special needs. “Boys Hope Girls Hope is like a second family and a solid support system that encouraged me to graduate among the top ten of my class at Aurora Central High School. I never believed that I had that kind of potential, but BHGH provided me with the resources I needed to excel, not only in my studies but also within my community.”

About Boys Hope Girls Hope

The mission of Boys Hope Girls Hope is to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.  With fourteen locations spread across the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, Boys Hope Girls Hope addresses the opportunity gap at-risk youth entering high school face through provision of academic and personal support in a setting where all belong.

The Colorado affiliate supports scholars through two programs which provide a continuum of care.  The Academy Program connects with motivated high school scholars who navigate systemic barriers to opportunity through touchpoints four to five times a week, college-preparatory support, life skills training, scholarships, and access to internships.  The close-knit sense of community creates a safety net and an environment where young men and women can thrive.  The College Program tracks collegians through the postsecondary journey into the launch of their career postgrad.

All scholars and collegians are first-generation and/or low-income youth that participate in the program.