Support Santiago's Dream: UC Berkeley Bound

Hello everyone, my name is Santiago Preciado-Cruz, I am a 17-year-old senior at LIFE Academy (OUSD).

I am proud to be from East Oakland (of Mexica(n) roots), and I’ve gone to public schools my entire life.

I got into UC Berkeley. That's major news. I did receive some financial aid, but it only covers about half of the cost of tuition/room & board, and I still need to raise 20,000 dollars.

My parents work really hard and provide my siblings & I with what we need, but they have always taught us the value of community and have invested in our barrio through Homies Empowerment. Unfortunately, they do not have any extra savings for college.

I have taken every program I had time for, and as many internships as I could, such as Dreams, Arts & Activism (3 years), Youth Law Academy (3 years), Summer Math And Science Honors (SMASH, 3 years), Bay Area Writing Project (3 years), Public Health Pathway (3 years), Student Leadership (4 years) and Leadership In Diversity (2 years).

I have taken 11 college courses -classes like Calculus that aren't offered at my school- at local community colleges (Laney, Berkeley City, Alameda & Merritt) on top of my normal high school workload, and more, all to prepare for this.

I want to go to college to study Astrophysics and Ethnic studies, and learn about their connections to my culture and history.

I understand that a lot is going on in the world, and there are many other things you could give your money to, but I would be extremely appreciative if you could help fund my education.

Thank you.

Santiago Preciado-Cruz