Meet the Scholars

The Young Scholars Program comprises student organization presidents, athletes and leaders accepted into selective professional programs. The Young Scholars Program exists to allow students access to skills, lessons and networks needed to be successful in life.


Ross Adkins

Ross Adkins

 | BS Finance

W.T. White 2022

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I’m immensely grateful to be a Young Scholar. I am dedicated to continuing my hard work and striving for excellence. I wanted to attend the Jindal School because of its prestigious reputation and its academic rigor. I knew it would me and push me to become the best version of myself.

Vanesa Bocanegra

Vanesa Bocanegra

 | BS Accounting

H. Grady Spruce 2023

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Growing up in Pleasant Grove instilled in me a strong sense of community and a desire to make a positive impact. Pursuing a degree in HR Business Management is an opportunity for me to serve as a bridge between talented employees and organizations and help foster a positive workplace culture. I am driven to create a better future for myself and those around me, and this scholarship will allow me to do just that.

Evelyn Contreras

Evelyn Contreras

 | BS Accounting

W.T. White 2022

LinkedIn

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My mother told me I could be able to get college scholarships with my smarts. With the YSP scholarship, I can see my mother was right. It also proves that if I have a goal in mind and give it everything I can, I will reach the goal.

Duna De La Rosa

Duna De La Rosa

 | BS Business Administration

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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Receiving this scholarship is a great motivation for me to keep up my GPA, complete my degree, and achieve my dream career in real estate. I decided to enroll in the Jindal School due to its exceptional care towards students and the wide range of opportunities it offers.

Christian De Santiago

Christian De Santiago

 | BS Finance

H. Grady Spruce 2023

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Growing up in a lower-income family, I have witnessed firsthand the financial struggles my family went through. This experience has motivated me to learn more about the financial world and gain a deeper understanding of why these struggles occur and how they can be overcome.

Donna Diaz Hernandez

Donna Diaz Hernandez

 | BS Accounting

W.T. White 2023

LinkedIn

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This opportunity has made me more excited about learning the financial and accounting aspects of business. I chose to attend the Jindal School of Management because it is the best business program, and the staff and professors are the best. I believe that I can grow in knowledge and personal growth in the Young Scholars Program.

Kimberly Diaz-Medina

Kimberly Diaz-Medina

 | BS Accounting

W.T. White 2021

LinkedIn

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One day I will provide my mother with everything she fought to give my siblings and me. As a UTD Comet, I am taking full advantage of all the academics, resources and networks that UT Dallas provides for students.

Andrew Dominguez

Andrew Dominguez

 | BS Information Technology and Systems

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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Businesspeople will talk about their failures. They know to be successful; you must manage failures. The challenges I will face as a student will make me a stronger person. But people at UTD will advise me and help me make connections in the business world.

Deise Equihua

Deise Equihua

 | BS Business Administration

Franklin D. Roosevelt 2023

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The Young Scholars Program was my last chance to receive higher education. During my research at the Jindal School of Management, I discovered that students are supported throughout their journey including resume building and internships. I must admit I was curious about introduction to public and non-profit management and it proves to be quite an interesting subject

Maximiliano Flores

Maximiliano Flores

 | BS Human Resource Management

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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In high school, my greatest fear was having to go to college far away and being unable to help my family. UT Dallas was high on my list because of the degrees, internships, and the extraordinary amount of diversity. At UTD, I am a student with the same goals and values as those around me.

Miranda Flores

Miranda Flores

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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I’m a first-generation student pursuing an Accounting degree at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas graduating in 2027. My time at Townview Magnet Center veered my academic path to where I am now. Throughout high school, my wonderful teachers and fellow classmates made me enjoy and become interested in the essence of Accounting. I loved learning basic accounting formulas, solving accounting puzzles, and learning the “behind the scenes” of businesses. Still, I knew that wasn’t enough, and I was ready to pursue Accounting as my career.

Maria Fuentes

Maria Fuentes

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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I was involved in the Young Scholars Program in high school. I knew many Townview students had received full scholarships to UTD and that inspired me to dedicate myself to my high school academics. That hard work got me to where I am today. After graduating from UT Dallas, I plan to start a business.

Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia

 | BS Business Administration

Moises E. Molina 2021

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Coming from Oak Cliff in Dallas, I didn’t see many opportunities to pursue higher education because many of our families can’t afford college tuition. With this YSP scholarship, I can get a degree and one day return to help other from Oak Cliff attend college.

Noel Garcia

Noel Garcia

 | BS Business Management

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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My journey toward higher education has been driven by a deep passion for a change in my family, the interest in Business Management, and, most importantly, numbers. As a student with a strong commitment to leadership and an interest in marketing strategies, the Young Scholars Program acknowledges my dedication and provides an immense amount of support as I strive to excel in my studies and future opportunities.

Noah Gipson

Noah Gipson

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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The YSP scholarship gives students confidence and hope. At UTD, I have gained the confidence to get out of my comfort zone and try things I might not have otherwise. One thing I’m doing is going to workshops to improve my technical and analytical skills to prepare for my career.

Alexa Gonzalez

Alexa Gonzalez

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

LinkedIn

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No words can describe how much this YSP scholarship means to me. I love Texas and didn’t want to go far from my family and friends to attend college and UTD offers great academic programs. I love the diversity on campus because you get to meet new people every day with different backgrounds.

Karina Gonzalez

Karina Gonzalez

 | BS Business Administration

Moises E. Molina 2022

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During high school, I was part of an early college program that enabled me to earn an associate degree in business. This experience ignited my interest in this field. Being a first-generation college student and one of seven siblings, financial independence is crucial to me. I have already completed an internship at Dallas College, and I am excited to explore more opportunities like this in the Jindal School of Management.

Dayton Greene

Dayton Greene

 | BS Finance

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2020

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At UTD, I want to get a well-rounded education while focusing on finance. I chose to attend the Jindal School of Management because it has a great reputation and corporate connections in the DFW area and UT Dallas is near my home.

Caitlin Gutierrez

Caitlin Gutierrez

 | BS Healthcare Management

Franklin D. Roosevelt 2022

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My family struggled financially, but I knew I wouldn’t let that get in my way of attending college. The Young Scholars Program has entirely changed the course of my life. I want to be someone who impacts society for the better.

Amatista Licea

Amatista Licea

 | BS Business Administration

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Magnet 2022

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Without this Young Scholars Program scholarship, it would’ve been almost impossible for me to attend a university. My parents could never afford it. I was part of the Young Scholars Program in high school and used those resources when applying for college.

Lizeth Lopez

Lizeth Lopez

 | BS Healthcare Management

H. Grady Spruce 2022

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I have always been interested in the medical field, but not as a doctor. The Healthcare Management degree fits perfectly with my interests. I have so many goals while I’m here at the Jindal School- like getting to know more people and preparing myself for a career.

Danna Mancinas

Danna Mancinas

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2021

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The Young Scholars Program scholarship means I’ll be the first in my family to earn a college degree and I won’t have any student loans to pay off once I’m finished. It is only my second year at UTD, but it has become my second home. The professors are amazing and helpful.

Miguel Martinez

Miguel Martinez

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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My high GPA, volunteering in school security, working for Santiago Iron Works Inc., and volunteering for church activities made me eligible for this scholarship. With the economic toll of tuition removed from my worries, I can put all my effort and focus into my academics and the clubs/organizations offered by The University of Texas at Dallas. After my time at UTD, I will secure a job and continue to grow in the business world. Then, I will be able to achieve my goals of helping my parents, who have been there for me my whole life, and giving back to my communities.

Guadalupe Medellin

Guadalupe Medellin

 | BS Human Resource Management

Moises E. Molina 2023

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During my pursuit of an associate degree, I enrolled in a few accounting classes and discovered that I had a passion for the subject. This realization has led me to pursue a degree in accounting as it aligns with my career goals and personal interests. By becoming an accountant, I will be able to build a career I enjoy while also fulfilling my dream of traveling the world. Additionally, achieving this goal will enable me to buy my parents their own home where they can enjoy their retirement.

Carolina Mendez

Carolina Mendez

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2020

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I am a first-generation college student and eager to learn whatever I can at UTD. One of my goals is to pass the CPA exam and work at a Big Four accounting firm in Dallas. This scholarship provides me the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Valerie Molina

Valerie Molina

 | BS Accounting

Moises E. Molina High School 2023

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I was born in Dallas, TX, but raised in Mexico. One of the reasons I’m pursuing my degree in accounting is to help my family with their taxes, help other people who are struggling with their financial statements, and more. I also want to make my parents proud by receiving my degree in accounting; I don’t want anything more than to see them proud of me.

Daniel Montero

Daniel Montero

 | BS Information Technology and Systems

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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Going to UTD means I can stay close to home while pursuing a rigorous education. I’ll be the first person in my family to earn a college degree. I chose to study ITS because of the career options. Because it combines business and technology, I can see job openings in this career regardless of the economy.

Stephanie Moran

Stephanie Moran

 | BS Human Resource Management

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2022

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As someone who has had experience in conducting student interviews, I made the decision to pursue a degree in Human Resource Management. During my time serving on interview panels, I have had the opportunity to work alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying perspectives. As the first one among my siblings to attend college, I intend to apply the knowledge and skills I gain to help guide my younger siblings through their academic journeys.

Layla Munoz

Layla Munoz

 | BS Global Business

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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I chose my degree because I want to connect with people around the world and be part of a big company that can make a global impact. Pursuing higher education has always been my life goal, and thanks to the scholarship I received, I can proudly say that I am achieving this goal debt-free.

Olabanji Osifowokan

Olabanji Osifowokan

 | BS Information Technology and Systems

W.T. White 2020

LinkedIn

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UTD professors help ensure you are on the right path to achieving your academic and career goals. For instance, last summer, I participated in a program with Meta’s Data Analytics Program. I worked in a team with guidance from data engineers and data scientist.

Brandon Palos

Brandon Palos

 | BS Finance

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2021

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I have always been interested in the Jindal School because it has especially high standards. UTD is helping me achieve my goals by pushing me to be the most successful young man that I can be, providing me challenges that help me discover my strengths.

Arlette Perez

Arlette Perez

 | BS Accounting

Moises E. Molina 2020

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In high school, I took accounting college classes which sparked my interest in accounting. Although my classes played a major role in my decision to pursue this field, it was a field trip to Weaver that truly encouraged me. Prior to this, I had changed my mind several times about what I wanted to be when I grew up – from a teacher to a baker to a home designer. However, my ultimate dream job is to become an accountant. More than that, my goal in life is to use my skills and knowledge to give back to my community.

Liliana Puga

Liliana Puga

 | BS Business Administration

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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I am eager to pursue a major in Business Administration because I am passionate about helping people achieve success efficiently. I strongly believe that working as a business administrator would be a perfect fit for me as it is a diverse field that would allow me to gain insights into various aspects of the business world. Moreover, pursuing this major has provided me with both academic and financial support, which has enabled me to focus entirely on my studies. My family has always instilled the value of helping others in me, and I am grateful for that. They have taught me to follow the right path while treating others with kindness and respect.

Jose Rodriguez

Jose Rodriguez

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2021

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Growing up, I got to see behind the scenes of my dad’s flooring business. After seeing everything from sales to expenses, I knew I wanted to be in the business world. This YSP scholarship allows me to be able to attend college and make my hard-working parents proud.

Jacqueline Salazar

Jacqueline Salazar

 | BS Finance

H. Grady Spruce 2019

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At UT Dallas, I am a mentor to transfer and freshman students. So many doors have opened for me since coming to UTD and I have learned so much here. My education at the Jindal School will benefit me and my whole family.

Samuel Tiburcio

Samuel Tiburcio

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2020

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As an immigrant, I cannot express with just words how grateful I am to have earned a YSP scholarship. Thank you for investing in my life and the lives of all the YSP students. Thank you for putting trust in us to become the next generation of leaders.

Denyce Tostado

Denyce Tostado

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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I have always had a passion for finance and monetary responsibility in a company, which is why I am pursuing a career in accounting. It is a diverse field that offers many opportunities in the business world that align with my interests. My ultimate career goal is to become a CPA. I believe that this is an achievable goal for me due to the many organizations available to support me, as well as the supportive faculty and staff at UTD who are helping me to achieve my personal goals.

Lesly Vazquez Vela

Lesly Vazquez Vela

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2021

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At UT Dallas, I have learned to manage my time more efficiently. With a planner by my side, I have stayed on task and completed assignments. And I’ve had the honor of being selected as a Jindal School NOVA Ambassador.

Stephanie Velazquez

Stephanie Velazquez

 | BS Marketing

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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I was born in Georgia, but I have spent my entire life in Dallas, which has made me a huge fan of the Cowboys. I find it fascinating to watch the new commercials during the Super Bowl and see the creative approach advertisers take to promote their products, apps, and stores. As a first-generation student, my goal is to obtain a degree in marketing from UTD, which offers numerous programs and opportunities. My main motivation is to make my parents proud of my achievements.

Daniela Wachsmuth

Daniela Wachsmuth

 | BS Business Administration

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2023

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Receiving this scholarship has been a great opportunity for me to access various resources available at JSOM. I have all the necessary tools to help me achieve academic success here, which is my top priority. Personally, I was mainly concerned about choosing a college that would provide me with ample opportunities for my future career. That’s why I decided to attend UTD, as I was impressed by the range of student help programs and resources available to us within the university.

Melissa Zurita

Melissa Zurita

 | BS Accounting

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet 2020

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Choosing the perfect college for me was not difficult once I learned about UT Dallas. The campus is only 30 minutes from my home and when I visited the campus, I knew it was ideal. The professors, staff and other students are very helpful and inviting.