Opportunities for community service initially drew Rei Romero-Godinez to the SEO Scholars program. As she moved through the application and interview process, she found something more. “I felt like it was a need to prove myself,” she says.

Success hasn’t come easily. The Smith High School freshman has struggled with school, friends and even family. “Just because I need help doesn’t mean I’m not ready to go on in life.” She believes SEO Scholars offers the structure and support she needs.

“I want to be a crime scene investigator for the FBI,” says Rei. Her dream school – Stanford.

When she walks across the stage as college graduate, she will be only the second in her family to do so. “This program is going to help me get to where I need to be. I’m going to hold my head up and be proud.”

shift_ed boldly accelerates student potential