The Equity Scholarship Provides Relief for Cal Students
“Although I had always dreamed of going to college, I knew it wasn’t going to be cheap.”
From one of the worst neighborhoods in Los Angeles to a student on the Berkeley campus, Nayely Chavez is on the path to achieving her childhood dreams.
Growing up in Pacoima, California, a community known more for its street gangs than its scholars, Nayely was exposed daily to the perils of street violence and negative influences that plagued her community. The strength of her family inspired her to work toward her dream and follow a positive path. Nayely wasn’t sure where she was headed, but she knew she wanted to attend a major university.
When the time came, she considered many colleges during her application process. Ultimately, Nayely chose Cal. "I knew that Berkeley was the right place for me the minute I stepped onto campus. I felt a sense of comfort that no other college campus had given me."
Her decision was not enough. Nayely and her parents were concerned about the cost of attending Cal. "Although I had always dreamed of going to college, I knew it wasn’t going to be cheap. I worried about how my parents would afford my education."
Nayely’s family could contribute to her college education, but not enough to cover the fees and living expenses necessary for the first year at Cal. The Equity Scholarship closed the gap by awarding Nayely $5,000 for her first year. "Receiving this scholarship not only relieved my family of financial stress, it allowed me to enjoy my first year of college and gave me a Cal family. When I walk into Alumni House, I’m greeted by friendly faces and know I have a place to go for advice. It’s a place I call home."
The Equity Scholarship is paving the way for Nayely to fulfill her educational dreams and experience all that Cal has to offer.