Expanding Access to Opportunity 

For a group of YES Prep seniors, earning a match through the QuestBridge National College Match opened the door to new opportunities. 

For 14 YES Prep seniors, a single envelope changed everything. This fall, they will step onto the campuses of some of the nation’s most selective colleges, backed by full, four-year scholarships—through the QuestBridge National College Match. What once felt distant or unattainable is now a lived reality.  

This achievement represents years of hard work, determination, and the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond what they may have imagined for themselves. Along the way, our students have explored new interests, stepped into leadership roles, and taken full advantage of the experiences that prepared them for the next chapter in their journey. 

At YES Prep, access to opportunity is at the core of our mission. That includes college counseling, exposure to experiences that help students see themselves on campuses across the country and support every step of the way as they prepare for life after graduation. 

This year’s QuestBridge Scholars are pursuing futures in engineering, medicine, law, and many other career paths. While their pursuits are different, they are united by a shared commitment to creating impact in their communities and beyond. 

Future Engineers and STEM Leaders 

A group of this year’s QuestBridge Scholars are pursuing paths in engineering, computer science, and data-driven fields. Their interests are rooted in curiosity and a desire to solve real-world problems, from improving everyday systems to developing new technologies that expand access and opportunity. 

 

 

Enrique Uribe 
Campus: YES Prep West Secondary 
Matched with Colby College 

Enrique Uribe plans to study computer science, driven by a strong work ethic and a desire to create opportunities for himself and his family. Through programs like Code2College and All-Star Code, he has developed his technical skills while also stepping into leadership roles, including supporting his peers as a student teacher in AP Physics. 

Beyond the classroom, Uribe balances school, leadership, and family responsibilities. He works at his local H-E-B as a cashier to help support his family, often taking on daily responsibilities like driving his brother to work and making sure his family is cared for before starting his own shift. Whether leading fundraising efforts on Student Council or helping classmates, Enrique consistently shows up with humility, responsibility, and commitment to others. 

 

Miguel Medina
Campus: YES Prep North Central Secondary
Matched with Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Miguel Medina is exploring a future in medicine or engineering, driven by curiosity and a commitment to growth. Through opportunities like the Yale Young Global Scholars Program, he challenged himself to step outside of his comfort zone and engage in spaces that once felt unfamiliar. 

At North Central Secondary, Medina has demonstrated leadership as president of the Science National Honor Society and vice president of the Chess Club, while continuing to push himself academically. His experiences, including the Junior Spring Trip and visits to colleges across the country, helped expand his perspective on what is possible for his future. 

 

Ronaldo Martinez 
Campus: YES Prep White Oak Secondary 
Matched with Rice University 

Ronaldo Martinez plans to study engineering driven by a desire to solve real-world problems and serve others. His commitment to community is reflected in nearly 2,000 hours of volunteer work, where he has mentored youth at Lakewood Church, served veterans through VFW Post 8790, and supported community efforts with Concerned Veterans for America. 

In each space, Martinez built connections, created welcoming environments, and lead with purpose. As vice president of the National Honor Society, he continues to inspire those around him while staying grounded in service. His heart for others and his ability to make people feel valued are what truly set him apart. 

 

 

Nalleli Cortez 
Campus: YES Prep Northline Secondary 
Matched with Dartmouth College 

Nalleli Cortez plans to pursue engineering and leads with a strong sense of responsibility to those around her. As president of the English National Honor Society and a member of multiple leadership organizations, she is known for bringing people together and ensuring that no one is left behind. 

Her commitment to growth is evident in her decision to self-study for advanced coursework, pushing herself beyond expectations while continuing to support her peers. Nalleli leads not only through achievement, but through care and inclusion. 

 

Future Doctors and Health Professionals 

For many scholars, the path forward is rooted in caring for others. These students are pursuing careers in medicine and health, with the goal of improving outcomes and expanding access within their communities. 

 

Rebeca Cornejo 
Campus: YES Prep North Central Secondary 
Matched with Dartmouth College 

Rebeca Cornejo plans to study biochemistry on a pre-med track with plans to pursue a career in medicine. She has balanced excellence in academics, leadership, and service even while being a leader across campus as National Honor Society president, student ambassador, and captain of the Varsity soccer team. . 

While navigating personal challenges, she developed strategies to stay grounded and focused, demonstrating resilience and a deep commitment to her goals. 

 

 

Carlos Espinoza 
Campus: YES Prep East End Secondary 
Matched with Carleton College 

Carlos Espinoza plans to pursue a pre-med pathway, driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to serve others. He has challenged himself through advanced coursework, including AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, and AP English Literature, while staying actively involved in organizations such as National Honor Society, Student Council, MedExplorers, and Girasol. 

Beyond the classroom, Espinoza has committed himself to meaningful service, supporting individuals at the Metropolitan and assisting people with disabilities.  

 

Ximena Monroy 
Campus: YES Prep West Secondary 
Matched with Vassar College 

Ximena Monroy plans to study psychology, with a strong interest in understanding people and serving her community. During her time at West Secondary, she explored scientific research through a five-week wet lab experience focused on bacteria and antibiotic resistance, gaining hands-on exposure to lab techniques and the research process. 

Beyond academics, Monroy has demonstrated leadership through service. Aat the Harris County Clerk’s office where,  she supported voters in high-pressure environments by managing long lines, communicating wait times, and assisting individuals with accessibility and language needs. She also volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, working alongside teams to keep operations running efficiently during high-demand periods. 

 

Future Leaders in Law, Policy, and Community Impact 

The next group of scholars is stepping into fields that shape systems, communities, and opportunities for others. Their goals are rooted in leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to creating lasting change. 

 

Simone Chavarria 
Campus: YES Prep Northline Secondary 
Matched with Wellesley College 

Simone Chavarria plans to study political science with a minor in English with the goal of becoming an attorney. Her interest in law is rooted in a desire to advocate for others and create meaningful change within her community. 

At Northline Secondary, Chavarria has been actively involved in leadership organizations such as the English National Honor Society and Senior Leadership Council, where she has supported her peers and contributed to a strong school community. Experiences like the Junior Spring Trip helped her envision herself on college campuses beyond Texas and strengthened her confidence in pursuing higher education. 

 

Sheiley Sandoval 
Campus: YES Prep Northline Secondary 
Matched with Claremont McKenna College 

Sheiley Sandoval plans to study economics with the long-term goal of building a charter school network that serves low-income students. Her vision is rooted in expanding access to opportunity and creating systems that support future generations. 

During her time at  Northline Secondary, Sandoval has stepped into leadership across multiple spaces, serving as president of the Senior Leadership Council and leading as a varsity athlete and team captain for both volleyball and basketball. Experiences like the Junior Spring Trip and the USC Bovard Scholars Program helped shape her confidence and solidify her path, giving her exposure to college environments and opportunities beyond her immediate surroundings. 

 

Additional QuestBridge Scholars 

In addition to the students highlighted abovefeatured, several other these YES Prep seniors were also selected through the QuestBridge National College Match program. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the opportunities they have earned. 

• Mauricio Pineda, YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary – Matched with Rice University  
• Dayra Salas, YES Prep Gulfton Secondary – Matched with Rice University  
• Odalys Gaspar, YES Prep Gulfton Secondary – Matched with Wellesley College  
• Ana Ramos, YES Prep Gulfton Secondary – Matched with Bowdoin College  
• Dylan Ybarra, YES Prep Northside Secondary – Matched with Grinnell College 

 

A Future Full of Possibility 

These scholars show what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity—and when students are supported to pursue ambitious goals. 

As they take the next step in their journeys, they carry with them the experiences,  and values, and determination that have shaped their time at YES Prep. Their paths will lead them to classrooms, research labs, courtrooms, and communities across the country, where they will continue to learn, lead, and make an impact.