Union High School senior Mia Paz-Martinez has been awarded a QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship to Stanford University in Stanford, California. The full-ride, four-year scholarship – which covers the costs of tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses – is valued at over $200,000. Students were selected based on their academic achievement, financial qualifications, and personal character.
The scholarship program “connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to 50 of the nation’s best colleges.” These outstanding high school seniors have an average unweighted GPA of 3.94, and 93% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. Around 92% come from a household with an annual income under $65,000, and 87% qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. The majority of this year’s Match Scholarship Recipients — 82% — are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.
"When I was introduced to QuestBridge in my junior year by Mary Stevens, SCS Upward Bound director, I saw an opportunity worth striving for. It was just the type of encouragement I needed to apply for the National College Match Scholarship. I began to see a path for me to attend a top university without worrying about how to afford it," Mia recalled.
Upon learning that she had received the scholarship, Mia said, ““In the moment it felt like a dream. Words cannot express how relieved I felt to be given this opportunity. The sacrifices and obstacles I over came to achieve this accomplishment as a first-generation college student shows possibilities when the “playing field”is leveled for all students.”
This achievement has been highlighted in a Forbes article on December 16, 2023, which mentions that QuestBridge, as a national nonprofit, has facilitated a record number of 2,242 students gaining admission to colleges through their program, emphasizing the positive impact on increasing access to higher education for low-income students.
“Growing up as a migrant student, I had to work twice as hard than the average English student because I had to overcome language barriers, lack of resources, and limited experiences. However, I was able to persevere to make the best of my academic and extracircular activities,” Mia recounts.
As the top student in Union’s senior class with a 4.5 GPA, Mia is among 2,242 recipients of the scholarship from across the United States. According to QuestBridge, it’s the highest number of Match Scholarship recipients to date.
“I never thought I would be able to attend a university like Stanford. Going to it with a full ride is incredible. QuestBridge gave me the hope that I can go to a university that is one of the best of the best,” said Mia, who plans to major in economics and political science.
Applicants must submit their transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation while ranking the colleges of their choice to be considered for early admission and a full college scholarship.
While at Union High School, Mia has been an engaged and active member of the Spartan community, participating in JROTC (Battalion Commander), Key Club, Beta Club (Vice-President), Student Government Association, Upward Bound, and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Mia also attended the North Carolina Governor's School summer program in the Spanish program area. As a student athlete, Mia participated in girl’s basketball for two years, girl’s soccer for three years, and one year of football. Mia is currently participating in the Sampson County Youth Leadership Program, and Emerging Rural Leaders of The University of Chicago. She also is a Migrant Education Tutor for the Union district.
QuestBridge partners with 50 of the nation’s best colleges and universities, which in turn offer full four-year scholarships, ensuring matched students and their families that an education at a top college is affordable.
“Setting goals for myself, I was able to forge a path for my future that my parents could not obtain, due to their lack of education and knowledge,” said Mia.