From: College Track
Our trailblazing students Samrawit Keleta and Cendy De La Torre (a TheDream.US scholar) joined First Lady Michelle Obama and 130 college-bound students from across the country to participate in the 2015 Beating the Odds Summit on Thursday, July 23. As part of the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative, these students represent a mix of urban, rural, foster, homeless, special needs, and underrepresented youth who have overcome substantial obstacles to persist through high school and make it to college. The event focused on sharing tools and strategies students can use to successfully transition to college and the resources they will need to complete the next level of their education.
Samrawit and Cendy, rising freshmen at Trinity Washington University and University of Colorado at Boulder, will be the first in their family to go to college. These extraordinary students know that education is the gateway to a better future. “I will not stop until I achieve my goals. I will continue to motivate myself and those around me no matter what it takes,” said Cendy.
The resources Samrawit and Cendy received at the Beating the Odds Summit paired with College Track’s mentorship and financial assistance will ensure that they reach their full potential by earning a college degree.