How a Scholarship Helped Ruben Change His Life

When Ruben was growing up, life looked very different for him than it did for many of his friends. His mother struggled with addiction, and he didn’t have a clear path to follow. But Ruben always knew one thing—he wanted more for himself and his future. “For me growing up, it became very apparent that I was in a different situation from some of my friends,” he says. That’s why programs like the Family Fellowship, one of the most powerful scholarships for college students from foster care, are so important.

A New Path Forward

Ruben was chosen as the first-ever Safelite Scholar through the Family Fellowship last year. At the time, he was doing everything he could to stay in school. He had earned certificates to work in the medical field and was working long hours just to pay for his essentials. But it was wearing him out. He knew he needed to find a better path, one where he could grow and thrive.

Ruben returned to school and found a new passion: business and technology. Today, he’s studying Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science at Santa Rosa Junior College. He keeps a strong 3.56 GPA and is making waves on campus. 

Because of the Fellowship, Ruben has been able to focus on school instead of just surviving. He says, “Whenever you bring up the Family Fellowship, I can’t help but get a huge smile on my face. It feels like I’m getting these crazy opportunities that even people I know from good situations don’t get to have.”

The Family Fellowship scholarship for college students formerly in foster care gave Ruben the confidence and the ability to focus on building a better future. Now, he’s waiting to hear back from top transfer schools, and he hopes to work in venture capital one day so he can help others just like him.

Giving Back as a Youth Engagement Ambassador

Ruben plays a big role on campus as Vice President and co-founder of the school’s Business and Economics Club as well as the Vice President of Student Life in the Student Government Assembly at Santa Rosa Junior College.

He also supports other foster youth as a Youth Engagement Ambassador with the Child and Family Policy Institute of California. There, he works to help bring attention to real-life challenges facing foster youth. 

Learn about all of the work Ruben is doing on campus:

Ruben believes deeply in the importance of positive exposure and support for foster youth—especially early on.

There wasn’t a real standard for me to follow growing up, so I can’t say this enough—how needed it is for there to be very positive exposure to foster youth when they’re so young in life.

Through his advocacy work, Ruben is showing what’s possible when someone is given a chance to rise. He’s using his voice to speak up not just for himself, but for many others who deserve to be seen, heard, and believed in.

Why the Fellowship Matters

The Family Fellowship is one of the most impactful scholarships for college students who have experienced foster care. It helps students like Ruben chase their goals, reach their full potential, and break past the limits set by their past.

Applications are still open!

Don’t wait! We’re still looking for our next cohort of Family Fellows! If you or someone you know is looking for opportunities for former foster youth, now is the time to sign up. 

Apply for the Family Fellowship Scholarship Now!

And if you’re looking to give back, a donation to the Family Fellowship helps create life-changing opportunities for students like Ruben. Together, we can expand access to scholarships for college students who deserve a chance to shine.

Donate to the Family Fellowship and help more students like Ruben

Let’s keep changing lives—together.Ruben turns adversity into ambition, using education and advocacy to uplift foster youth and challenge expectations