Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship Program

Between 2013 and 2020, Teen Success, Inc. boosted 73 young mothers' college careers with a scholarship. Scholarships for young mothers were a core part of Teen Success, Inc.'s programming because nationally, only 2% of young mothers graduate from college by the time they're 30.

The Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship Program provided financial post-secondary education support to young mothers who completed the Teen Success, Inc. Program and planned to further their education and/or acquire specialized trade skills to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children.

Now, Teen Success, Inc. is supporting every young mother who wants to pursue post-secondary education, by providing educational stipends to all of its participants pursuing any kind of post-secondary degree or certificate, for as long as it takes.

Over seven years, Teen Success, Inc. awarded 73 competitive scholarships to young mothers pursuing post-secondary education. However, the demand for financial support to pursue post-secondary education was much higher among the 1,500+ families Teen Success, Inc. has served over the years. 

Moving from competitive scholarships for some, to educational stipends for all, is an equitable approach to increasing the probability that young mothers will finish a post-secondary degree or certificate that will lead to living wages and benefits for their families.

We invite you to learn more about Educational Stipends. Please click here to read more.

Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients by Year: 2019 | 2018 | 2017-2013

Karla Bocanegra, 17

Mother of Adan, 1y
Sacramento Program​
American River community College

Karla gave birth to her son, Adan, at age 15 and although it was challenging at first, Karla worked hard to develop the skills and independence she needed to achieve her goals and forge her future. Karla overcame judgement from people in her life and is now proving them wrong by succeeding in her education and setting a positive example for her son, Adan. She will begin a nursing program in the fall, becoming the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college.  ​

Heaven Cardona, 17

Mother of Eva, 1y
Oakland Program
Chabot college

​For Heaven, becoming a mother at 15 made her a braver person. Although she did not have a maternal figure in her life growing up, she was determined to be a better mother for her daughter, Eva, who was born with a neurological disorder and requires special medical care. Heaven is excited about the opportunity to continue her education and plans to become a neurosurgeon so that she can one day help other children like Eva.  ​

Analy Cereceres, 16

Mother of Alejandro, 11m
Fresno Program
Fresno City college

​​Analy learned how to take responsibility for her own necessities early on in her life. When she was 15, she gave birth to her son, Alejandro, and she works hard every single day to give him a healthy, nurturing childhood. Analy has chosen to become a nurse because she dreams of financial stability and creating a home for her family. She is the first in her family to graduate high school and the first to go on to college.  

Elizabeth Espindola, 22

Mother of Anthony, 5y
redwood city Program​
college of san mateo

Elizabeth is strong, determined, and dedicated to continuing her education, so her son will be proud of her. This is Elizabeth’s second Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship and she is studying Child Development at College of San Mateo. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and has seen firsthand the difference an education can make. She credits Teen Success, Inc. with teaching her parenting skills so her son, Anthony, will also thrive.  ​

Evelin Espinoza, 18

Mother of ramiro, 6m
Fresno Program​
CSU Fresno

​​When Evelin found out she was pregnant at 17, she decided to get a job and started to improve her relationship with her parents. Now, she’s working two jobs and taking undergraduate classes at CSU Fresno, while her parents look after her son, 8-month-old, Ramiro Jr. Evelin is dedicated to continuing her education and hopes to be a role model for her son! She’s working towards a Spanish major and taking on a career as a translator. 

Ariagna, 17

Mother of Mateo, 1y
oakland Program
chabot college

Ariagna is determined to be successful in life, for herself and for her son, Mateo, by graduating and pursuing her goals. Although she has experienced difficult moments with her family, Ariagna learned to see the positive in everything and to value every moment. She is dedicated to creating a better life for her son and will begin by graduating and attending college this fall.  ​

Vivian Fletes, 16

Mother of nova, 7m
salinas Program
hartnell college

​Vivian grew up with her mom and her siblings after her father passed away when she was six years old. The void of her father’s presence had a profound impact on her, and led her on a treacherous path. At 16, Vivian gave birth to her 3-month-old daughter, Nova, and found the strength to move forward and change her path. She’s learned to advocate for her health, developed self-respect, and created a plan to be successful in college. She plans to start at community college and transfer to a 4-year university.  

Rosie Franco, 18

Mother of isaac, 2y
redwood city Program​
cañada college

Becoming a mother was a transformational moment for Rosie – she realized the importance of continuing her education. With the support of her Teen Success, Inc. Advocate, Rosie began excelling in school and became the first in her family to go to college. She is currently attending Cañada College in Redwood City.  ​

Claudia Gonzalez, 18

Mother of alondra, 2y
fresno Program
fresno city college

Claudia grew up with her mom and her siblings in a small apartment in Fresno where her mother worked hard to provide for them. Claudia’s pregnancy was not easy, but her daughter, Alondra, was born healthy. Claudia’s strongest motivation is to prove that young moms can have an education and be great moms. She made friends at Teen Success, Inc. and found support from the Advocates. She’s taking on college with a positive attitude and the desire to set a good example for her daughter.  ​

Evelyn Gonzalez, 21

Mother of Matthew, 5y
San Jose Program​
Santa clara University

​Evelyn has overcome many obstacles in her life, including discovering her pregnancy while involved with the juvenile justice system. Evelyn is determined to provide a better life for her son and has used the parenting skills she learned at Teen Success, Inc. to create a bright future for him. Through her resilience and hard work, Evelyn graduated from high school and community college, and now with the support of a second Teen Success, Inc. scholarship, she will be studying Political Science at Santa Clara University.

Lesly Henriquez, 19

Mother of Addilyn, 1y
San Jose Program​
mission college

Lesly was faced with many challenges in her childhood and young adulthood. She has worked hard to persevere and become a strong, independent, young woman. She strives to be the best mother possible for her daughter. Lesly currently interns at a dental office and is excited to pursue a career in dentistry. Lesly is excited for what the future holds for her and her daughter.  ​

Stephanie Hernandez, 17

Mother of giovanni, 5m
sacramento Program
sacramento state university

For Stephanie, the birth of her son, Giovanni, completely changed her life and has given her an incredible purpose in wanting to finish school and attend college. Her love for her son has made her strong and independent, because she wants to provide a better life for him. Many people doubted her when she became pregnant, but Stephanie turned that negativity into motivation and is now becoming the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college.  ​

Sofia Jaquez, 19

Mother of elina, 3y
San Jose Program
mission college

Sofia has worked hard to overcome challenges to getting her education. She advocates for the support and resources she needs so she and her daughter, Elina, can be successful. Sofia is a natural leader; she continually looks for new experiences and opportunities to better herself and the world around her.  She will be attending Mission College in the Fall to study Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Lucrecia Mora Mojica, 19

Mother of melissa, 1Y

​​Lucrecia has strived to improve her life since moving to the United States, and wants her daughter, Melissa, to know that she will always provide her with everything she needs. Lucrecia recognizes the importance of education for advancement and wants to teach her daughter that she, too, can accomplish her dreams. Lucrecia wants to be a source of strength for her family and community, and is determined to continue studying and attain a career in criminal justice.   

Edith Neri, 18

Mother of milo, 2y
madera program
Fresno City College

​When Edith became a mom at 16, she was determined to continue pursuing her academic goals, so she could create more opportunities for herself and for her son, Milo. With support from her family, her high school's childcare center, and Teen Success, Inc., Edith has succeeded in school and will be attending college in the fall. She is well-prepared for the challenges ahead and is committed to teaching Milo the importance of education so that he, too, can pursue his dreams.  ​

Stephanie Ocampo, 19

Mother of Sophia, 3y
fresno Program​
CSU Fresno

​Stephanie’s motto is, el amor todo lo puede, love makes everything possible. Despite lacking support and encouragement at home, Stephanie pulled from her inner wisdom and worked hard to excel in school. At 16, she gave birth to her now 3-year-old daughter, Sophia. She graduated high school in just three years with four medals of honor. She turned criticism from others into fuel to accomplish her number one goal – becoming an effective parent.  

Kassandra Perez, 22

Mother of Jonathan, 5y
San Jose post-graduate Program​
San Jose city college

​Kassandra joined Teen Success in 2012 and has stayed involved with the program by becoming a Peer Leader, an Ambassador, and now, receiving a second Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship. She's pursuing her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse and she credits Teen Success, Inc. with teaching her the parenting skills that have helped her son thrive in school. Kassandra is grateful for the continued support of her family and is dedicated to continuing her education and strengthening her community.  ​

Elice Ramirez-Solis, 19

Mother of Daisy, 5y
fresno Program
fresno city college

​Elice Ramirez-Solis is a Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship recipient for the second time. Over the last two years, she’s grown and matured as a mother and as a student. Her daughter, Daisy, now 5 years old, is also thriving, thanks to the parenting and life skills Elice learned through Teen Success, Inc. She expects to graduate in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology.  ​

Crystal Rodriguez, 18

Mother of adan, 3m
Redwood city Program​
College of San Mateo

Crystal is strong and resilient, overcoming every challenge she faces. After struggling with school early on, Crystal was able to get back on track and become the first in her family to graduate from school and pursue college. Crystal is attending College of San Mateo to study nursing. She is excited to accomplish her personal goals and help her son accomplish his goals too. ​

Alejandra Romero, 20

Mother of oliver, 1y
salinas Program​
hartnell college

When Alejandra was very young her father passed, and her mother became the sole provider for her and her sister. Alejandra moved to the US where adjusting to a new country without knowing the language was hard for her, but she kept pushing to get her high school education. She is the first ever in her family to graduate high school and to go to college. Alejandra’s son, Oliver, motivates her to achieve her goals and she wishes to raise him with respect for women and appreciation for education.  ​

Karla Sanchez, 17

Mother of mia, 3y
reno Program​
truckee meadows community college

​Becoming a mom at 14 changed Karla’s perspective on life and gave her a renewed purpose and commitment to create a happy life for her daughter, Mia. She knew that in order to provide a brighter future for her daughter, education was an essential step. Karla will now be the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college, where she will pursue her dream career and create a path for Mia to do the same.  ​

Ciara Segura, 17

Mother of aayden, 5m
Sacramento Program
sacramento city college

​From the first moment she knew she was pregnant, Ciara knew she was going to be an amazing mother for her son, Aayden. Ciara worked hard to graduate a year early and prove she could succeed and is now ready for the new challenges of continuing her education. Her son, Aayden, inspires her to chase her dreams, and she is excited to pursue a career in nursing to set a positive example for him.  ​

Jessica Sotelo, 17

Mother of kaden
salinas Program​
hartnell college

​Motherhood has completely changed Jessica's life and empowered her to seek a better future for herself and her son, Kaden. When Kaden was born with an unknown condition, Jessica learned to navigate a challenging medical schedule while also working toward completing her educational goals. She is determined to defy misconceptions about young moms and will become the first in her family to attend college, where she hopes to become a nurse and support other young mothers and their children.  ​

Nayeli Torres, 17

Mother of Noah, 2y
Bakersfield Program

At 15, when her son, Noah, was born Nayeli began a healing journey with the support of her mom. When Nayeli joined Teen Success, she started to work hard at opening-up and learning to trust others. She learned to embrace her culture, began to build her confidence, and parenting skills so her son will also thrive. Now, Nayeli is showing her son that education is important for the future and that when you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.  ​

Ivonna Trujillo, 19

Mother of Elena, 4m
Fresno Program
fresno city college

When Ivonna found out she was pregnant in March 2018, she looked at her life and decided that despite the difficult road ahead, she would persevere for her 3-month-old daughter, Elena. Ivonna re-enrolled in school and stayed up every night doing homework and drove to and from to San Joaquin every week to turn in her credits little by little. She graduated high school in early 2019 and started at Fresno City College in March 2019. She is going after a career in forensic pathology.  ​

Liliana Valencia, 18

Mother of Jayden, 1.5y
redwood city Program
san mateo city college

Growing up, Liliana did not have the support she needed to succeed in school. While she was pregnant, Liliana enrolled in Teen Success, Inc. and with her Advocate’s help, she was able to get access to resources she needed. She also found confidence in herself as a mother and as a student. Liliana will be attending San Mateo City College to pursue a career in social work.  ​

Scholarship Recipients by Year: 2019 | 2018 | 2017-2013