FONTANA, CA – Jurupa Hills High School senior Maya Martinez will pursue her dream of attending an elite Ivy League college thanks to a four-year QuestBridge National College Match scholarship to Brown University, where she will study mathematics.

Martinez, who has a 4.4 GPA, was one of 1,127 students nationwide to receive a full-ride QuestBridge scholarship, and the first Jurupa Hills student in four years to be selected for the honor.

“I always thought attending a university was financially out of reach for me. I figured I would start at community college,” Martinez said. “This is so exciting. My mom is even more excited than I am. She reminds me every day, surprises me with gifts. I am so happy for her.”

Martinez credits Jurupa Hills math teacher Mitzi Aguliara for spurring her interest in math, introducing her to theoretical concepts such as number analysis, an area Martinez will study at Brown with the goal of using math research to help people.

Martinez also thanked counselor Angelina Chavez for urging her to keep up on scholarship opportunities and not get discouraged if she fell short.

“I first applied for the QuestBridge College Prep Program as a junior and didn’t get it,” Martinez said. “Ms. Chavez was very enthusiastic and told me to keep trying. I’m glad I did. I never dreamed I would actually get selected.”

Martinez, a recipient of the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition program, is an accomplished percussionist and four-year member of the Jurupa Hills marching band, as well as jazz band and drumline. She is also a member of the Jurupa Hills orchestra, where she plays viola.

“This is a proud moment for Maya and Jurupa Hills; it could not have happened to a better person,” Jurupa Hills Principal Caroline Labonte said. “I see her working hard all the time, which is representative of the school and students we have here. It’s super exciting.”

QuestBridge is a highly selective national program that connects high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with four-year scholarships to elite universities. Of nearly 15,000 applicants, less than 8% receive QuestBridge scholarships.

QuestBridge will pay for all costs of attending Brown, including tuition, room and board, and meals. Martinez plans to apply for a work study position so that she can get the full college experience. Anticipating cold winters in Rhode Island, Martinez has one more item on her checklist.

“I may have to buy a whole new wardrobe,” Martinez said.

PHOTO CAPTION:

FUSD_QUESTBRIDGE: Jurupa Hills High School senior Maya Martinez will realize her dream of attending an Ivy League university, thanks to a four-year QuestBridge National College Match scholarship to Brown University.