scholarships – Aspire Public Schools

Aspire Foundation’s ‘Give Back to School Night’ Fundraiser Raises Over $300,000!

October 2, 2023

The Aspire Foundation recently hosted the “Give Back to School Night” fundraiser, an extraordinary evening celebrating our scholars, alumni, and the incredible impact of collective action. Thanks to our supporters, we raised over $300,000! These funds will directly benefit scholars and teachers across Aspire’s 36 schools.

Read on below for a few highlights from this unforgettable occasion.

The Giving Tree Experience
“Give Back to School Night” unfolded at a stunning venue that set the stage for an evening of purpose and promise. The event began with our guests coming together for the opportunity to explore the Giving Tree—a way to directly fund the projects that support our school communities.

Sara Lopez speaking during her opening remarks.

Sara Lopez’s Inspirational Story
Sara Lopez, an alumna and current teacher at her alma mater, Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, took the stage to share her personal journey. Sara is a testament to the impact of schools that are responsive to the communities Aspire serves. She spoke passionately about the impact Aspire had on her life and her community, sharing:

“Aspire built my growth mindset, my love of learning, and my self-confidence…it shaped me into the person and educator I am standing here today. And now, I am so honored to be a small part of this same journey with students of my own, as they fall in love with learning and eventually, better the lives of their families and community.”

Keynote by Van Jones
Van Jones, an advocate for social change, delivered a powerful keynote address. He addressed the disparities faced by students of color and emphasized the transformative power of education. He commended Aspire for its role in disrupting systemic inequities and shifting outcomes. Van’s words resonated with the audience when he stated, “Every adult has a responsibility to make sure that every kid has a ladder to climb… that’s what Aspire is [doing], they’re building ladders for kids.”

Ways to Give
As the evening progressed, guests were invited to re-engage with the Giving Tree. Supporters and guests buzzed with excitement as they explored opportunities to support scholars in changing their trajectories. Thanks to their generosity:

100 5th graders will experience a sleepaway science camp.
30 high school students will have books and materials to complete early college courses.
$28,000 in post-secondary scholarships will be awarded to our most deserving seniors.

Guest writes their name alongside which project they will be helping to fund.

“Give Back to School Night” was a shared vision of positive change. It reminded us that through education, partnership, and collective action, we can break down barriers, uplift communities, and transform futures.

You can still share your support—see ways to give directly to our school communities here. Together, we can continue to empower minds and transform futures, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all.

Introducing Aspire’s 2023 R.I.S.E. to Higher winners!

April 27, 2023

Huge congratulations to our second cohort of R.I.S.E. to Higher scholarship winners!

Anchored in Aspire’s Core Value of Agency + Self-determination, this award is given to outstanding Black seniors who are active members of their campus Black Student Union (BSU), and who are demonstrated agents of change in their community. The R.I.S.E. to Higher scholarship is generously funded by Aspire partners Charles and Karen Couric, to whom we are very grateful.

Read on to learn more about these scholars’ years at Aspire, what they learned from their experience participating in a BSU, and their future plans!

Anaya Washington
Anaya has been an Aspire scholar for her entire academic career, from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA), she plans to study child development and psychology.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: All the fun we had in class with my peers and teachers.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s ok to fail.
Anaya’s experience in a Black Student Union: While in BSU I have learned a lot about other cultures including my own. I have learned about a lot of struggles that all Black people have faced throughout the years. I enjoyed all the opportunities we had to learn new things regarding BSU and being able to bring together and create a safe space for the Black kids in my school. It really gave us the chance to speak up about things we couldn’t talk about elsewhere because no one else understood.

Damian Beck
Damian has been with Aspire since he came to Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy (GSP) in 8th grade. After graduation, he hopes to study real estate and business.

His favorite memory at Aspire: The field trips I had with my class and my grade.
His advice to younger students: Don’t overthink and always ask for help when you need it.
Damian’s experience in a Black Student Union: I learned what it meant to be in a community full of Black or African American students just like me.

Greg’Zhyaih Martin
Greg’Zhyaih came to Aspire Golden State Preparatory Academy (GSP) as a freshman. After graduation, she is excited to attend CSU Dominguez Hills to study child development.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: Going on all the field trips & doing all school activities!
Her advice to younger students: I would honestly say go for it! Believe in yourself & trust yourself. You can do it.
Greg’Zhyaih’s experience in a Black Student Union: I love the community we build & the fun activities we created.

Kaaliyah Bush
Kaaliyah came to Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) as an 8th grader. After graduation, she looks forward to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater and the dramatic arts.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: When I was on the cheer team, I miss the community building and the opportunity to make new friends and I did. Overall it was an amazing experience.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t lose focus but still enjoy your time because even when it feels like high school is never ending, once you get close to the end you’ll realize It really just flew by.
Kaaliyah’s experience in a Black Student Union: I really enjoyed the discussions, I finally felt like I had people that could truly understand and relate to my experiences. BSU helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my experiences. I have gotten so many opportunities because of it and I learned about things that I never knew there was more to learn about. It has been an experience that I will forever be grateful for because I learned how to better advocate for myself and I will forever carry that with me.

Maiya Johnson
Maiya has been thriving at Aspire since kindergarten! After graduating from Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (BHA), she looks forward to studying business administration.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: The days in elementary school where I enjoyed being a kid. Those years were the most memorable. I made some of the best friends that I still have today and it’s cool to see my transition from then to where I am now.
Her advice to younger students: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Involve yourself in as many things as you can and be comfortable with stepping out of your comfort zone because you never know where it could lead you.
Maiya’s experience in a Black Student Union: My experience as a member of the Black Student Union at my school was very enjoyable. Being able to come together as a community to have fun while supporting one another was very important to me. Attending the Black College Expo last semester I was able to bond with other members in a new element outside of school. I was able to connect with my peers through similar life experiences and I learned a lot about myself. As I move forward in these next 4 years I hope I can continue to be a part of amazing organizations like the Black Student Union.

Meah Smith
Meah came to Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) in 11th grade, and after graduation, will pursue a degree and career in nursing.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: I love when I need help I have many resources! I really love just laughing and connecting with my teachers and staff!
Her advice to younger students: You are who you hang around so choose wisely and make smart moves for yourself!
Meah’s experience in a Black Student Union: I loved that we are all connected with the same background. We are able to come together as one and really educate people about our troubles we face along with growing a family.

Priya Marshall
Priya came to Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Cal Prep) as a 7th grader. After graduation, she is deciding between majoring in zoology, health science, or nursing.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: 8th grade promotion.
Her advice to her younger self/younger students: If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self it would’ve been to never give up on myself, and also to always trust the process and be patient.
Priya’s experience in a Black Student Union: Black Student Union at my school is a safe space and comfort zone for students. What I like most about Black Student Union would be being able to have a safe space and being around such positive and loving people.

Senoj Jones
Senoj has spent her entire K-12 academic career learning and growing at Aspire. After graduating from Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (BHA), she looks forward to majoring in criminal justice.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: An after school program when I was in elementary school. They provided a lot of activities that I didn’t know would make great life skills and hobbies. For example, self defense, cooking, gardening, science, etc.
Her advice to her younger self/younger students: Advice I would give to my younger self is to be okay with making mistakes and to learn from them. By growing up in Aspire schools, it made me very sheltered and protected, which I appreciate because it got me to the mindset to be successful and to do something great for my life after high school. Though, I wish I spent more time trying new things instead of keeping the same routine because I didn’t want to deal with negative consequences. I feel that I missed out on some childhood or teenage things when growing up but in the end I accept it because I’m still successful without it.
Senoj’s experience in a Black Student Union: The thing I like most about BSU at Aspire is how vocal they are about Black excellence, and also how it provides different resources that can be beneficial to our future. I learned about self confidence and about Black activists during my time at BSU. I felt dissociated within my race and not as proud about it, but by joining BSU I am more confident and appreciative about my culture and to be Black.

Tai-Run Williams
Tai-Run came to Aspire as a 6th grader. After he graduates from Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy (VCPA), he looks forward to attending college to study kinesiology.

His favorite memory at Aspire: Meeting everyone and everyone just greeting me with happiness, my 6th grade year.
His advice to younger students: Never wait until the last minute to finish everything, finish everything on time or early.
Tai-Run’s experience in a Black Student Union: For me, I loved how it was like a family and everyone was very close with each other. I learned a lot of new things about my history and also how to be a leader.

Veter Baker
Veter came to Aspire in 5th grade. After she graduates from Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Cal Prep), she will study business.

Her favorite memory at Aspire: Making memories in class with my classmates.
Her advice to younger students: Take advantage of being young and live life to the fullest.
Veter’s experience in a Black Student Union: I love BSU. It’s become a place where I can just relax and be with my fellow Black students. I never truly realized the effect of not being around people who look like me had on my mental health until I was around them. I have learned that you never truly know a person until you know them, what you see in the halls isn’t enough to judge the kind of character they have.

Introducing Aspire’s 2023 Para la Cultura Winners!

April 19, 2023

Aspire Public Schools is thrilled to announce the 10 inaugural winners of our Para la Cultura scholarship!

Established this year with roots in Aspire’s Core Value of Culture of Belonging, this award is given to seniors who were recommended by staff members for demonstrating strong social-emotional competencies, and who foster a culture of belonging on their campus and broader community. This award is generously funded by Aspire teammates.

Congratulations to these incredible seniors! Read on to learn more about these students, reflections on their time at Aspire, and their future plans.

Ariana Olvera Torres
Ariana has been with Aspire since 6th grade when she came to Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy (LWP). She looks forward to studying sustainable environmental engineering after graduation.

Favorite memory at Aspire: Last year during my art class, because we not only learned about the connection between art and our emotions, but also about the connection between art and the future of the current effects of historical redlining.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t stress yourself out about the future and instead enjoy the present. Things will happen as they’re meant to happen.
To Ariana, a culture of belonging is… one’s personal sense of safety and acceptance within a group or community. It is a place in which you feel heard, considered, and cared about but where one aspect of yourself is not seen as your defining characteristic. Where it is known that to accept you, they must respect all parts of you.

Brandon Ocampo
Brandon has been an Aspire student at Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) since 7th grade, and looks forward to pursuing a career in automotive engineering after graduation.

Favorite memory at Aspire: All of the fun rallies I spent with my peers. Aspire really helped me bond with my friends with fun events.
His advice to his younger self/younger students: I would tell myself to stop thinking that there is only solution and that you must say yes to everything that comes your way. It is okay to say no sometimes.
To Brandon, a culture of belonging is… making a place where everyone feels that they belong. Although people may be going through things in the outside world, they know that at school they don’t have to worry about being out of place.

Einar Alvarado Alonso
Einar came to Aspire Ollin University Preparatory Academy (OUP) as an 8th grader. In the fall, he will attend USC to study Intelligence and Cyber Operations!

Favorite memory at Aspire: The first time I was treated with empathy and understanding by my 9th grade Humanities teacher, Mr. Gomez. During this time I was pretty reckless with my behavior and would often get in trouble; teachers would get upset with me, understandably so. However Mr. Gomez listened to me rather than lecturing me and through his solidarity I realized I just wanted to be heard.
His advice to younger students: Distinguish those who are there to help you from those who are not. The people you hang out with, whether with ill intent or not, might not always be the best people to be around if you expect to further yourself in your goals. Identify those who have the same ideas of success as you and stay with them. Also don’t be afraid of being your authentic self; if you need to change in order to be liked, then said people don’t really like you; that’s fine, there is a community somewhere that will accept and celebrate your authentic self.
To Einar, a culture of belonging is… a culture of solidarity; where diversity is not just accepted but rather celebrated. It is one where we build our community through transformative justice and assist our peers in a way that best supports their needs.

Gisselle Camargo
Gisselle came to Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy (ATSA) as a 7th grader. After graduation, she is excited to study biology at Sacramento State University.

Favorite memory at Aspire: The times I played on the boys and girls soccer team. Working on conditioning with my friends in the spring sun was so fulfilling and fun.
Her advice to younger students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Especially at schools like ATSA, all the staff members are more than willing to help in any situation.
To Gisselle, a culture of belonging is… when you acknowledge everyone’s differences but you still appreciate their uniqueness and how they help bring people together.

Isabel Santos
Isabel has been at Aspire Langston Hughes Academy (LHA) since 7th grade. She looks forward to studying business after graduation.

Favorite memory at Aspire: Recess and lunch in middle school
Her advice to younger students: Believe in yourself.
To Isabel, a culture of belonging is… being able to fit in with any and every crowd, even if you do stand out.

Jacky Orucuta
Jacky came to Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Cal Prep) as a 9th grader, and after graduation, plans to major in animal biology/science.

Favorite memory at Aspire: My first day. I was a freshman and even though it was a couple of weeks into the school year everyone, from staff to peers, was patient and welcoming. There was such a strong sense of community that it was easy to make friends and feel like I belonged.
Her advice to younger students: It’s okay to be spontaneous at times. Not everything needs to be planned out down to the most trivial of details.
To Jacky, a culture of belonging is… not being fearful or anxious to be yourself, but rather feeling security in knowing you’re accepted.

Joselyn Alvarado
Joselyn just came to Aspire in 12th grade, but has made the most of her senior year at Aspire Pacific Academy (APA)! After graduating, she plans to study business administration.

Favorite memory at Aspire: Going on college field trips, because they really inspired me to go to a university after high school
Her advice to younger students: It’s okay if you make mistakes, it does not mean the end of the world. You need to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.
To Joselyn, a culture of belonging is… being able to feel comfortable in my own skin, and to be myself without feeling judged or misunderstood.

Lilianna Rodriguez
Lilianna has spent her entire K-12 academic career learning and growing at Aspire. After graduation from Aspire Pacific Academy (APA), she’s excited to attend UCLA in the fall where she will study psychology!

Favorite memory at Aspire: Participating in Math Field Day for the APA middle school team in 6-8th grade. I loved the competition and was able to be on the team with my best friend. Our team won 3 times in a row against the other Aspire teams and was able to represent Aspire at the LAUSD Math Field Day competition. I will never forget the feeling when our team was called up for first place during those years.
Her advice to her younger self/younger students: All the hard work you have been doing will pay off. The long nights of studying, doing homework, office hours, and even doing school work on vacations were all worth it. There will be some challenges that will be difficult and there may be those days when you break down. However, those challenges will not stop you from succeeding in school and life. Your standards will grow and your ambition will drive you. Never try to change for someone else and follow your passions.
To Lilianna, a culture of belonging is… when you feel accepted and supported by others. There are many different cultures and communities that we are able to be a part of. Exploring these cultures is how we find the ones we feel belong. Once, you find that culture; reciprocate the appreciation to receive with others, consequently, strengthening the culture of belonging.

Patrick Mulligan
Patrick has thrived as an Aspire scholar since kindergarten. After graduation from Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (BHA), he looks forward to studying business administration.

Favorite memory at Aspire: The whole of homecoming during my junior year. It was my first year leading the event as student body president. From the set up, staying after school in the cold, and listening to music was an absolute blast. The final dance was an amazing time as well.
His advice to younger students: Get involved and take on some responsibility. One of the most motivating things throughout my time in school has been being super involved within school culture. Whether it’s through student council, multimedia, travel club, or any other organizations, stepping out of your comfort zone builds character and friends like no other. Being involved in the school made me grow drastically in my leadership abilities and brought me to the point where I actually want to be at school the majority of the time. The reward in seeing our events get put together and little projects come about is something that I recommend all students do early on in their high school and middle school careers.
To Patrick, a culture of belonging is… when every student is able to feel a part of a community regardless of who they are. Whether your interests or backgrounds are different, you are able to come together to celebrate and have a good time. A strong community is based on the connections between each person and you can’t have that, without a culture of belonging.

Yaribel Orozco
Yaribel came to Aspire as a 6th grader, and looks forward to pursuing a career as a registered nurse after graduating from Aspire Golden State College Preparatory Academy (GSP).

Favorite memory at Aspire: Going to college field trips every year.
Her advice to younger students: Keep doing you and be on track.
To Yaribel, a culture of belonging is… feeling comfortable with who you are and where you come from. It also means everyone accepting each other, and being open-minded to others’ cultures.

Click here to learn how you can support Aspire’s scholarship portfolio.

Congratulations to our Senior Support Scholarship winners!

May 17, 2022

Congratulations to our Senior Support Scholarship winners, Arlette Campos and Kailey Martinez!

Arlette from Aspire Pacific Academy and Kailey from Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy will no doubt have success as they prepare for their post-secondary pathways. Both lifetime Aspire learners, these two senior scholars are prepared and eager for their next chapters. Learn more about them and their goals below.

Arlette Campos

Arlette has been with Aspire since elementary school, and during this time has learned the importance of asking questions when needed and leaning on people around her for help. She looks forward to using this skill set both to help others and to navigate college. During her time at Pacific, she took advantage of their early college program by enrolling in three college courses, including Administration of Justice, Sociology, and Psychology. Through the coursework itself and the act of balancing advanced classes, Arlette is proud to have gained experience in fostering her mental health and wellness, as well as improving her grade point average and gaining experience with college-level work.

Arlette loves learning, and as a first-generation college student, looks forward to continuing her pursuit of knowledge. Dealing with various challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has especially fostered her desire to pursue a career that will allow her to give back to her family and broader community. She hopes to get both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree to provide financial stability and inspire her younger sisters that anything is possible with hard work. She plans to attend Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she will explore a variety of STEM and social science courses to determine the right career path for her.

Kailey Martinez

Kailey has grown and thrived with Aspire since kindergarten. She has been a part of numerous clubs, including TechHive, through which she grew an interest in science and became fluent in data analytics, and YouthRadio, in which she examined art through digital media. She was also involved in Cal Prep’s Pride Club and student government. While in student government, Kailey suggested and implemented a middle school student government program – which had previously only included high schoolers – to help younger students feel heard and connected to their school community. A particularly life-changing opportunity outside of school occurred when Kailey was fifteen and she took care of an individual with disabilities. Over the course of a year, she had the responsibility of feeding him, teaching him how to speak, and simultaneously teaching and learning American Sign Language. Being his caretaker offered an invaluable lesson in empathy and furthered her interest in pursuing a career path in helping others.

As a first-generation college student, Kailey is especially motivated to attend and graduate from a four-year university. She will attend California State University Channel Islands, where she plans to study either counseling or nursing in pursuit of a career in the human service field. She credits her teachers and school counselors for making her feel safe and motivating her to continue and accomplish her goals and looks forward to being able to do the same for children in the future.

The Senior Support scholarship is funded by generous contributions from Aspire Regional and Home Office staff. If you’re also interested in supporting scholars like Arlette and Kailey, see how you can make an impact on our Support page.