First Gen Scholars -

Ayub Ali

Heading into my senior year, I was very anxious about whether I would get into my top choices of college, but Jonathan Burgos and his program helped alleviate that stress completely. First Gen Scholars is one of the best programs I have joined in my life and has helped me get into my top school, UCLA. Sitting down with Jonathan for 1-on-1 reviews of my essays is truly something I will cherish forever. It helped me dig deep into my emotions and is what I believe pulled through for me in the end. I am forever grateful for First Gen Scholars and the people who put in their hard work and dedication every single day. They are perpetuating the generational success for bright, marginalized students and I can't wait to see how many more they help!

Manal Mohamed

Being apart of the First Gen Scholars program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Starting senior year in a pandemic was not easy and the college application process made the journey stressful. As a first-generation student, I had no idea how I would get through the process, but thankfully I met Jonathan Burgos (founder of First Gen) and he allowed me to be apart of the first Gen Scholars program. This program helped me so much and still continues to help other students who need guidance even after graduation. The first Gen Scholars program is a safe place for students from all different backgrounds to share their stories without ever being judged, and a place to share all their successes. With the help of the program, I was able to write about my personal story and get accepted to these Big Universities like UCSD, and even get Scholarship offers. I am more than thankful to be apart of this amazing program and to have met such amazing people I now consider family.

Tina Nguyen

All my life, I would hear about the “college process”. I would always receive reminders about completing A-G requirements, November being the month for seniors, and filling out FAFSA but I had no idea how applying to college actually worked. The First Gen program offered immediate support through the college process step by step. I was given a mentor to help convert my story into four well-written essays. During this program, I discovered more about myself and how my stories were important to be shared. I felt at ease to know that I was not alone in this process and there were people to help.

After the long months of working on college essays, I got into 7/9 colleges thanks to First Gen Scholars. I am grateful for the immense amount of dedication and support put into their first gen students. I encouraged anyone who is first generation and applying to college to join the First Gen Scholars. You will not regret it!

Kathalee Yang

The opportunity to join the First Gen Scholar Program has been an amazing help during college application. The workshops provided during the summer allowed me to understand that I was not writing a typical essay in an English class, but an essay I was able to express the person I am to these colleges. My journey from here grew to become a part of the club working with diverse peers and was able to learn new skills in the Social Media Agency team. Along with their help to provide a variety of scholarships available for students to apply and never miss an opportunity. Personally working with Jonathan and my mentor extremely made this possible. They answered all my college questions when I was confused about FAFSA and grant money. I greatly appreciated what this program has provided me. I applied to 8 different schools and received an acceptance of 6 from the universities. Due to this program, I received a FULL RIDE to UCSD. All my dreams were possible because of this one program that helped me achieve my goals. Please don't miss out on this amazing program that will bring such blessings to many student's futures.

Victor Nguyen

First Gen Scholars is an amazing and transformative program on so many levels. Seeing how the leadership team is composed of previous students who have seen Jonathan’s work firsthand, it goes to show how much trust Jonathan has and what he envisions for this program moving forward. If anyone needs Jonathan’s support, he will not hesitate to give them 100% of his heart and soul plus more. This is what makes this program so unique and diverse. As part of the leadership team, I always get goosebumps hearing the students stories as I’ve been in their position before. I know how much education has done for me and seeing these students live out their dream of going to these colleges has given me more motivation to say that anything is possible given enough support and willingness. I recently graduated from UCLA in the summer of 2020 and I can confidently say that it’s because of the positive mindset and attitude that Jonathan has instilled in me. I wish there was more individuals like Jonathan because he has changed so many lives.

Nancy Yang

First Gen scholar is such an amazing program established by an amazing person! First Gen aims to help student who are first generation students with getting into college. I was so privileged to be a mentor for the Southeast Asian First Gen! Jonathan really has put his soul and heart into helping these students achieve. He goes above and beyond for the students and is always supporting the students anytime. This program has helped my two sisters get into college. In addition the program conducts weekly meeting to help students understand college prompts and answers any confusion. It really doesn’t get better then that! Overall the program is an amazing program aimed to help students in every way possible! Thank you Jonathan!

Stephanie Tran

Joining First Gen Scholars was one of the best decisions I could have ever made in my life. During a time where students felt disconnected with their school community due to the pandemic, First Gen provided a place of comfort, support, mentorship, and friendliness for everyone and anyone. My dream college for the past 4-5 years has always been UCLA, and I am more than happy to say that First Gen Scholars is the prime reason why I saw "Congratulations!" on my UCLA student portal! Through connections with college-graduate mentors and other low-income, first generation students, I was able to enhance my writing skills, become a motivated leader, and, most importantly, share my own personal stories using my own, empowered voice. I thank First Gen Scholars for every single thing they've done for me. As I take the next step into my future, I'll lead myself knowing that I am going to live out my dreams because of this program's immense help and aid.

Jennifer Bui

First Gen Scholars is a literal life changer! The program is the perfect representation of Jonathan Burgos’s (Founder) passion and love for underrepresented students and their education. I have known Jonathan for over 8 years, and he continues to give back to the San Diego (and City Heights) community more and more each year. He helped me get into an Ivy League university and graduate with no debt! Since then, he has mentored dozens of other first-generation low-income students and helped them get admissions to and pay for college, which spans all across the country. The First Gen Scholars program nurtures students with great potential into the sophisticated and competent individuals that they’re destined to become. The workshops, guidance, and community provided by First Gen Scholars cannot be found anywhere else. Jonathan applies a unique approach for every student to meet their needs to the fullest. Once a First Gen Scholar, always a First Gen Scholar.