Three Pioneer High School seniors are one step closer to attending their dream universities after being named 2019 Dell Scholars by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, an honor that comes with a $20,000 scholarship.
The recipients, Litzy Martinez, Ana Cortez and Angel Landeros, are members of the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college-readiness program, designed to help students develop skills they will need to be successful in college.
“My family has taught me to always try and be positive and solve any issues in my life so that things can get better,” said Martinez, who has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study sociology at UC Davis. “Through it all, AVID has provided me with crucial support as I work towards my life goals. Being named a Dell Scholar means so much to my family.”
Landeros has a 3.6 GPA and plans to major in biological sciences at San Jose State.
“Not only do I look forward to studying and learning, but I look forward to discovering the person I will be in a few years,” Landeros said. “I have so much to look forward to and it all looks positive, whether that is because of the opportunities AVID has provided me or the opportunities college will provide me. Everything is in the future and college graduation will be the start of my future.”
Cortez has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study bio-engineering at UC Berkeley.
“As a bio-engineer I can work to create new technological advancements for people with disabilities, developing prosthetic arms,” Cortez said. “I want to be in a field where I am able to help people with the knowledge I have. AVID has helped me immensely to set me on the path to success.”
As Dell Scholars, the Pioneer students will receive their scholarships over four years, a laptop and textbook credits. They will also receive access to a support network of students, peer mentors and Dell staff, with services including confidential counseling, financial aid coaching and work-life solutions.