Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship Program

The Teen Success, Inc. Scholarship Program began in 2013 with a generous donation from the Reis Foundation. The scholarship program provides financial post-secondary education support to Teen Success, Inc. program graduates who have also graduated from high school and plan to further their education and/or acquire specialized trade skills to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children.

Since 2013, Teen Success, Inc. has been able to boost 41 young mothers' college careers with a scholarship. Scholarships for young mothers are 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. Thanks to the ongoing generosity and encouragement from our strong base of supporters, Teen Success, Inc. is able to give young mothers the power to write their own stories and provide a better life for their children. Together, we are transforming the lives of two generations.

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2018 Scholarship Recipients

Viviana Arenas, 19, San Jose, and Maya, 1.5 years old
After giving birth to her daughter Maya, Viviana had trouble getting back into school. She reached out to Teen Success, Inc. who helped her re-enroll at Opportunity Youth Academy. Viviana worked hard to graduate school, often attending classes with Maya sitting on her lap. She considers her greatest achievement graduating from high school. Viviana attends Evergreen Community College and study’s Business Administration.

Julianna Flores, 19, Bakersfield, and Alana, 2.5 years old
Julianna was a junior in high school when she found out she was pregnant. She had to change high schools, which left her feeling isolated and alone. Teen Success, Inc. helped her rebuild her confidence so she could graduate high school and go to college. She's the first in her family to go to college and attends Bakersfield College. She's transferring to Cal State Bakersfield in Fall 2018. Julianna’s committed to taking every opportunity she can to achieve her educational goals, for herself and for her daughter.

Alba Stephanie Huerta, 18, Visalia, and
Nathaniel, 1.5 years old
Alba Stephanie grew up in challenging home situation. With the support of her Advocate, Alba Stephanie got the resources she needed, including transportation and child care, to allow her to finish high school and continue her education. She’s the first person in her family to go to college. During the Teen Success, Inc. program, Alba Stephanie found her voice and now, she’s excited to create the life she’s always wanted. 

Deanna Martinez, 17, Fresno, and Devin, 1.5 years old
DeAnna gave birth to her son Devin at age 15. She works hard every day to continue her education and provide the best life possible for her son. She’s determined not be defined by the statistics about teen mothers. She advocates for her rights and the rights of her son. DeAnna will be the first in her family to attend college and plans on studying psychology and the effects of early childhood trauma in adulthood.​ ​
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Karisma Senegal, 18, Fresno, and Zendaya, 1 year old
Karisma is determined to overcome the challenges she’s faced and become a role model for her daughter, Zendaya. Karisma, the first in her family to go college, is thoughtful and dedicated, and is making the most of the resources available to help her succeed in college. Karisma plans on becoming a lawyer and wants to defend those who are not able to defend themselves.

Reyonna Crouch, 17, Fresno, and Angelina, 10 months
Reyonna is the first in her family to go to college. She overcame many challenges in her childhood and transformed herself into the happiest person she could be. When her daughter, Angelina, was born, Reyonna again went through a deep personal change. She became patient and deeply responsible to give her daughter the best care possible. Reyonna wants to become a teacher, to help young parents like herself, and inspire her community to know that, like her, they can do it too.

Rosalinda Hernandez-Guzman, Visalia, and
Esmeriee, 2.5 years old
Rosalinda is the first her in her family to graduate from high school and attend college.  Rosalinda struggled to find her voice as she grew up, but as an activist, she’s nurtured her voice in standing up for what she believes in. She’s excited to walk the stage at her college graduation and be a role model for her daughter. Rosalinda is passionate about helping others find their voice, giving her daughter the confidence to advocate for herself, and advocating for the rights of all women.

Jessica Leon, 16, Fresno, and Marilyn, 1.5 years old
Jessica grew up in a hard home environment and she had to become independent at a young age. She is determined to provide her daughter, Marilyn, with a stable life and home. Jessica is smart and thoughtful, and knows the best way to support her daughter is through continuing her education. She is the first in her family to go to college and plans on becoming a sonographer to help other young mothers.
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Erika Martinez, 17, Visalia, and Maribella, 2 years old
​Erika became pregnant her sophomore year of high school and was determined to overcome the judgements she faced from her peers and educators. Erika worked hard to graduate from high school, attend college, and provide for her daughter. She's the first in her family to go to college. Erika witnessed how the justice system affected her family members lives and she plans on becoming a probation officer to help influence people to make positive choices.

Stephanie Valverde, 16, Redwood City, and Matteo, 1 year old 
Stephanie inspires other young mothers in Teen Success, Inc. She works hard and is determined to continue her education. She's graduating high school a year early and hopes to become a social worker to help guide others on a positive path. Stephanie is passionate about making the world a more positive place.

Learn about our 2013-2017 college scholarship recipients.