Stephanie Molina didn’t like to speak up in class. She is a bright kid who does well in school, but she preferred to keep to herself in her early years at Washington Elementary. So it was a surprise when she spoke up during a tour of a nearby university declaring her intention to go to Santa Clara and become an engineer.

Her mom, Liz, credits her newly found confidence with her involvement in Thriving Neighbor’s after-school program during 4th and 5th grade. Now in 6th grade at ACE Charter School, she continues to pave her path to college.

After she graduates from ACE, Stephanie will most likely become the first member of her family to attend college. TNI can’t take all the credit, but we can create more stories like Stephanie’s and inspire confidence in every Washington student.