A Great Future for Orange Cove Teen

Lucia, an Orange Cove Club member, has received some very exciting news regarding her college career. She is the recipient of Fresno Housing’s $800 college scholarship. Lucia, a Youth of the Year Candidate in 2023, is a second-year student at Reedley College. She says this scholarship will help her pay for books and supplies as she earns her Associate’s Degree before transferring to a 4-year University. Her goal is to become a lawyer.

“Getting the news about the scholarship was a surreal experience.  I am really proud of myself,” she said.

Her time at the Club has been nothing short of inspiring and life-changing. Lucia didn’t know what she wanted to do after high school but after going on a field trip with the Boys & Girls Club to City Hall she realized she wanted to help others by becoming a lawyer. The Club helped her find her voice.

Lucia has participated in the Keystone program, a teen program designed to develop leadership skills and participate in community affairs. In January she also competed in Youth of the Year- the ultimate Boys & Girls Club teen program. Youth of the Year helped her articulate her growth over the last few years, practice public speaking, write a resume, and so much more.

During the Youth of the Year judging event Lucia met Fresno Housing representatives. This was the beginning of a new venture. She learned about the work they do there and the scholarship they provide for teens living in housing units. Lucia and her family have always lived in Fresno Housing units.

“Youth of the Year changed my life because it helped me find my voice. I also got to meet so many people that inspired me—including the other teens from different Clubs,” said Lucia.

Unit Director Isaiah Lopez encouraged her to apply for the Fresno Housing Scholarship and she did. When asking Lucia why she trusted Isaiah she said, “Isaiah and the support he’s given me the last few years is why I am even going to college. It’s all tied together. The Boys & Girls Club gave me a great future to look forward to and I am grateful.”