Hope in Adversity
Our family's story began in the heart of tumultuous times. In 1964, my parents escaped Cuba, seeking freedom & a new beginning. I was born in Los Angeles, where I grew up playing baseball & surfing. My wife’s family fled El Salvador amidst a brutal civil war. Through resilience and tenacity, she earned academic scholarships, proving that determination can conquer adversity. Our paths converged in the library at Biola University. Soon after, we married & we commenced a new beginning.
I worked 10 years as a public school teacher & Christian youth pastor in low socioeconomic areas. We eventually were sent out to pioneer new ministries, establishing churches & nonprofits in underserved regions of Central America & the Asia Pacific. Each step was a leap of faith, guided by a desire to grow in transformation, through sanctification.
In 2013, we returned to the U.S. with eight children & a few dollars. It was a humbling experience. We faced challenges, but our family prayed & stayed together. Our children worked incredibly hard. Their dedication paid off, leading to over $1 million in scholarships—an incredible testament to their perseverance & our collective journey.
Cultivated Resilience
This journey has been lived for a greater purpose than expected. It has fueled our mission at "At Promise." We aim to empower high school students who lack the resources to build & submit strong college & career applications. We understand the struggles of navigating the educational & career landscape, and we are committed to providing successful guidance, support and implementation.
At "At Promise,"" we dedicate an approximate 100 hours per student, assisting them in crafting compelling applications. We also allocate the most competitive funding possible. Then we strategically collaborate with educational institutions to ensure our students make informed choices for their futures. Our goal is to provide the tools and resources necessary for those in need, helping them unlock their potential and pursue their career dreams.
Through our story, we hope to inspire others and demonstrate that, with perseverance and support, a brighter future is possible for every student. Together, we can help them take the next step toward achieving their own dreams.
All the universities listed on this page have awarded us at least 80% full scholarships. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve the same! This opportunity offers four years of education, on-campus housing, meals, and employment that aligns with your course schedule. It’s four years of personal growth and development—all funded because you’ve put in the effort during high school, and we’ve collectively submitted at least 28 compelling applications. We apply to at least 28 universities to create a robust pool of options for a strong final commitment. This is our mission: to serve students with the greatest needs. We aim for nothing less than the best for our students!
