The students were awarded QuestBridge scholarships from 25,500 applicants across the country.
Los Angeles, Ca. – Facing great uncertainty around the future of the U.S. Department of Education and an overwhelming commitment to help underrepresented students access college, counselors at Bright Star Schools, a free charter school network in Los Angeles, spend countless hours navigating financial aid resources and opportunities for students: their work has paid off. This year, five first generation students at Rise Kohyang High School in Koreatown are headed to college on full scholarships. They are QuestBridge Scholars, part of a group of 2,627 students selected from 25,500 applicants from throughout the U.S.
“We are beyond excited about our collective effort to get students to college,” said Iliana Dorantes, a counselor at Bright Star Schools’ Rise Kohyang High School who mentors seniors. “Our efforts start in middle school with getting to know families individually and identifying each student’s needs. We ensure A-G college requirements are embedded in the school curriculum, and sit with students and their families to look at the cost of college, while also helping them apply and fill out their FAFSA forms,” added Dorantes.
This fall, counselors will see mentees achieve their dreams of attending a top university, as the Rise Kohyang students are headed to Ivy League schools and top universities across the country. Jackie Ornelas is going to Yale University, while Emanuel Theo Alcazar is headed to Boston University, Rena Lee is going to Stanford University, Joseph Kim to Davidson College, and Jayden Sagastume will attend Rice University.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the Questbridge scholarship’s belief in me and the opportunity to pursue my education at Yale without financial obstacles,” said Jacqueline Ornelas Ventura, a senior at Rise Kohyang High School. “To get where I am took a lot of dedication and the willpower to not ever let myself settle for mediocrity. Receiving this scholarship could not have been done without the overwhelming support of my friends, family, counselor and teachers,” added Ornelas Ventura.
Bright Star School officials attribute their success to a low student-counselor ratio. The Bright Star student-to-counselor ratio for Grades TK-12 is 130:1, while the state average is 450:1. The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250:1.
“As a first generation student, I am thrilled to attend Stanford University through the Questbridge National College Match” said 12th grader Rena Lee. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teachers, my counselor and my family. I am proud of my commitment and hard work.”
As a community school model, Bright Star counselors work closely with community partners to offer supportive and informative workshops, and address issues such as housing and food insecurities. School counselors are empowered with a variety of helpful tools including a wealth of resources from non-profit organizations.
“The great thing about our program is that support doesn’t end at high school,” said Steven Rockey, Director of School Counseling and Alumni Support for Bright Star Schools. “After students graduate, they are provided six years of free, individualized higher education support through our Alumni Support and College Success Program. We continue to guide them with their financial aid, offer skill-building opportunities such as internships, resume support, and help them navigate college and societal barriers,” he said.
Rise Kohyang High School is one of nine Bright Star Schools, an L.A.-area tuition-free charter public school network serving high-need communities. The schools are found in South Los Angeles, Koreatown, and the northeast San Fernando Valley.
In 2023, 88% of Bright Star Schools’ graduates matriculated to higher education, versus 50% of students attending similar schools nationwide. Nearly all of Bright Star Schools’ graduates are eligible for admissions to Cal State or UC schools, compared to just 51% of high school graduates in California.
