Support Jose's inclusive tech education at Naples

To all who are part of my journey, past, present, and future - family, friends, and supporters.

Asking for support is something that I take seriously, I could not be where I am now if people didn’t believe in me and became a part of my journey. So, today I am asking you to become a part of my life.

Summary

About Me

Hi everyone! My name is Jose Miguel, a third-year computer science student from Tecnologico de Monterrey, one of Latin America top universities.

I have been admitted to the Apple Student Developer Academy at the University of Naples Federico II. It's an amazing nine-month program starting in September 2023, providing a multi-dimensional education, ranging from Apple's unparalleled user experience to business skills.

University of Naples Federico II

I am currently on a full scholarship at Tecnologico de Monterrey, thanks to the Lideres del Mañana scholarship, and I work part-time to cover my living expenses. However, due to the irregular length and starting dates of the Apple Developer Academy, and being a student at another university, it's been challenging to find a scholarship for this program.

Why is this program so important to me?

I want to share something personal. I have been hearing impaired all my life, but my life changed forever the day after my fourteenth birthday - the day I used hearing aids for the first time. It was a revelation that opened my eyes to the wonders of technology, and I knew then that I wanted to become a Software Engineer.

But the deeper I delve into technology, the more I realize that it is not made equally accessible to everyone. That's why I've decided to seize this opportunity, to learn what we're missing and how to bridge this gap.

My understanding doesn't just come from personal experience. It's enriched by my mother, who is a special needs education teacher. Her work has given me insights into disabilities and accessibility, teaching me that there is so much more we can do to make technology inclusive.

As an engineer at heart, my passion is to create solutions - whether they're applications or cutting-edge AI.

I love my field because there is always something new to create, always a problem to solve, and with your help, I can make technology more accessible for everyone.

The goal

My goal is to raise 3500 dollars. This will cover my visa and medical insurance expenses, flight costs, a contingency fund for my hearing aids, and miscellaneous expenses.

Here's how the funds will be allocated:

Visa Expenses: $750

Medical Insurance: $750

Flight Costs: $650

Hearing Aids Contingency: $500

Miscellaneous Expenses: $850

And each additional $700 raised will help cover a full month of living expenses for me.

Your support will not only make my dream a reality but will also help me create a more inclusive world for those living with disabilities. Please donate and share this campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Remember, any contribution, big or small, can make a huge difference.

Thank you.