EASTON, Md. - A Talbot county program is opening doors for low-income students. Mid-Shore Scholars helped a student get accepted into an ivy league school on a full scholarship while beating significant odds.
Naiset Perez from Easton will be the first in her family to attend college.
"I'm still in shock and I cannot believe that I got accepted into Dartmouth," said Perez, a student from Easton High School.
A goal she thought was unreachable.
"I was able to apply through a QuestBridge Scholarship which offers me a full 4-year tuition," added Perez.
But the road wasn't easy. Her parents immigrated from Guatemala and growing up in a low-income household she struggled to find the guidance and resources she needed.
"Just applying to college is a very daunting process and our teachers and counselors I guess they don't really recognize that coming from a first-generation background we don't really have that help," explained Perez.
However, attending college was her top priority, and that's when Samantha Martinez with Mid-Shore Scholars stepped in to help.
"Naiset's parents and family they're wonderful, they're supportive, but that's the extent. They don't have that vivid experience that they've gone to college and can answer questions, know the process and know-how daunting it is. So, we really wanted to create this web of support for our first-generation students who are applying to schools and have the capacity," said Martinez.
Helping students beyond the classroom.
"They've been helpful with necessary life skills that our curriculum at school doesn't always touch upon," said Perez.
Paving the way for others and breaking barriers.
"It's often a dream and it shouldn't be right, it doesn't have to be a dream it's attainable," said Martinez.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for this program, you can visit: https://sites.google.com/midshorescholars.org/midshorescholars/home or call 908-337-4411.
