Madeline Salazar
Talent Search Scholar
Mechanical Engineering Major, MIT (Fall 2009)
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TELACU Scholars Advance Toward Their Dreams
East LA High School Graduate Bound for MIT
As a 6th-grader, Madeline Salazar wrote prophetically in her application for TELACU’s Talent Search Program: “Seven years from now I will probably be a student at a college or university. I will be a mini-engineer.” After seven years of the Program’s academic counseling and college preparation workshops, Madeline was recently accepted into her longtime dream school—MIT—the 4th best college in the nation and home to the #1-ranked engineering school, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“Talent Search not only equipped me to submit the best college application I could possibly prepare, but also provided me with the invaluable support and encouragement I needed to become the student I am today. This Program has guided me every step of the way toward achieving my ultimate dream—engineering affordable prosthetics for disabled residents in underserved communities and developing countries.”
Read more of Madeline’s story
Iraq War Veteran Headed for a Career in Gerontology
After serving his nation in the Army for nine years, Jorge Reyes returned from his last tour in Iraq and began considering how to make a difference in his East LA community. As a TELACU Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Scholar, Jorge developed the academic skills and confidence needed to ensure a smooth transition into Glendale Community College, where he is pursuing a Bachelors in Gerontology. Under the guidance of VUB staff, he plans to complete his degree work at Cal State Dominguez Hills, and then apply to the Masters Program at USC's highly acclaimed School of Gerontology.
“As a new veteran, I knew that I wanted to return to school but I just didn’t have the right tools to take those steps. Here at TELACU, I was able to gain the courage to look for employment and the support necessary to enroll in college. I am now able to follow my calling and become an effective advocate for our community’s senior citizens.”
Read more of Jorge's story
Student Engineer Helps to Develop NASA Technology
Ever since he first discovered the TELACU Education Foundation in middle school, Victor Mejia has received one-on-one advisement and resources that have been vital to his success at every stage of his academic journey. Having prepared for college through the Talent Search Program, and having excelled as a TELACU Scholar at UCLA, Victor was selected to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory this past summer, and is now only months away from receiving his Bachelors in Applied Mathematics & Computing.
“As a new veteran, I knew that I wanted to return to school but I just didn’t have the right tools to take those steps. Here at TELACU, I was able to gain the courage to look for employment and the support necessary to enroll in college. I am now able to follow my calling and become an effective advocate for our community’s senior citizens.”
Learn more about Victor’s NASA internship experience
Victor Mejia
TELACU Scholar
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Intern (Summer 2008)
Applied Mathematics & Computing Major, UCLA
