2024-2025 Cash for College Scholarship Recipients
The Cash for College Scholarship recognizes outstanding students across the Inland Empire who have demonstrated dedication to their educational journey. These students have taken important steps to secure their futures by attending a Cash for College (C4C) Workshop, completing the CSAC student survey, and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the California priority deadline.
We are proud to support students from diverse backgrounds, including those attending four-year universities and two-year colleges, as they pursue higher education. This scholarship is open to all students—regardless of documentation status—who plan to continue their education in the upcoming academic year.
Meet the Scholars
Aiden Guerra
Chemistry & Criminal Justice
Copper Mountain College
My Story
My name is Aiden Guerra, and I am an 18 year old military child. I graduated from Twentynine Palms High School. I will be pursuing a dual major of chemistry and Criminal Justice at Copper Mountain College.
Aiden Rodriguez
Fire Technology
Mt. San Antonio College
My Story
My name is Aiden Rodriguez, an only child from Upland, California. I’m attending Mount San Antonio College to prepare for a bachelor’s in Fire Technology at CSU Los Angeles, planning to work as an EMT while gaining experience for paramedic training.
Amy Cuahuey
English
Cal State University San Bernardino
My Story
My name is Amy Cuahuey and I am a first-generation college student. This money will go towards my education to help me pursue my career. My goal is to become an english teacher to help and educate students I will be pursuing an English major as CSUSB.
Anthony Garcia
Biology
Riverside City College
My Story
My name is Anthony Garcia, and I am a first-generation college student graduating from Hillcrest High School. I plan to pursue a career in medicine to help save lives and will begin my journey by studying biology and completing my general education at RCC.
Ariana Guevara Rodriguez
Pharmacology
University Santa Barbara
My Story
My name is Ariana Gabriela Guevara Rodriguez, and I am a first-generation college student. I graduated from Jurupa Hills High School class of 2024! I am exited to be attending California State University Santa Barbara in the fall as I study Pharmacology.
Brianna Machuca
Nursing
TBD
My Story
My name is Brianna Machuca, and I’m a senior at Rialto High School. As a first-generation college student, I plan to attend a four-year university and pursue a nursing major.
Diana Puente
Nursing
Vanguard University
My Story
My name is Diana Puente, and I recently graduated from Cobalt Institute of Math and Science High School. As a proud Mexican-American, I’ve been actively involved in academics, athletics, and volunteering. I will be attending Vanguard University, where I plan to major in nursing.
Esmeralda Olvera- Hernandez
Sonography
College of the Desert
My Story
My name is Esmeralda Olvera, and I am currently a senior at Indio High School. After graduation, I plan to attend COD and then transfer to San Jacinto to pursue a career as an ultrasound technician. I am passionate about helping my local community and am grateful for the support I’ve received to achieve my goals for the future.
Esmeralda Perez Bravo
School Counseling
Redlands University
My Story
Hello, my name is Esmeralda Perez, a resident from the Coachella Valley, currently a first year on the Masters program in education majoring in school counseling. The goal is to a future highschool counselor in the Coachella Valley. A fun fact about me is that I am bilingual in english & spanish.
Gary Romero
Aerospace Engineering
UC Berkley
My Story
My name is Gary Romero, a senior at San Bernardino High School graduating on May 31st. As a first-generation college student, I’ll pursue Aerospace Engineering at UC Berkeley in Fall 2024, inspired by my high school robotics experience.
Johnny Mojica
Welding
Victor Valley College
My Story
My name is Johnny Mojica, and I recently graduated from Sultana High School. I have experience in the automotive industry and am ASE certified. I plan to expand my skills by learning welding at Victor Valley College.
Nathaly Velasco
Nursing
TBD
My Story
Hi, I’m Nathaly Velasco, and I’m passionate about my cats, reading, and writing. I’m majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics, aspiring to become a registered dietitian.
Osvaldo Gonzalez
Design Studies
Cal State University San Bernardino
My Story
My name is Osvaldo Gonzalez, and I am a first generation college student who graduated from Pacific High School. I will be pursuing a Design Studies degree from California State University, San Bernardino.
Rachael Covarrubias
Animation
Rio Hondo Community College
My Story
My name is Rachael Covarrubias and I just graduated from Montclair High School. I have always had a love for art and I am very excited to pursue my dream career as becoming an animator. I will be starting the process of getting my Associates Degree at Rio Hondo in the fall.
Sebastian Morales
Business-Finance
Riverside City College
My Story
My name is Sebastian Morales, and I am a first-generation student. I am in multiple clubs at school and I maintain a job outside of school while holding down decent grades. I will be going to Riverside City College to study Business-Finance and hopefully transfer to a UC after a year or two.
Yaniz Aparicio
Biology
San Francisco State University
My Story
My name is Yaniz Aparicio, a proud Latina from the Inland Empire and a graduate of Cobalt Institute of Math and Science. I will pursue a biology major at San Francisco State University, aiming to become a nurse and give back to my community, inspired by my love for science and the support of my family and friends.
Ying Yu
Business
Victory Valley College
My Story
My name is Ying Yu, and I am a first-generation immigrant and college student who graduated from Apple Valley High School. I’m passionate about community service, having organized a clothing drive and Christmas care packages for the homeless with friends. I am currently completing my general education at Victor Valley College and will transfer to UC Riverside to pursue a degree in Business.