First-gen siblings become Dell Scholars

The Upward Bound program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is helping three siblings attain the goal of a college education while also receiving major scholarship assistance.

Siblings Jerson Lopez, Melissa Lopez and Mileidi Martinez-Garcia, of East Ellijay in Gilmer County, are each Dell Scholarship recipients, each earning funds of up to $20,000, for a total of $60,000 for the trio.

"This is an excellent example of the amazing and life-changing accomplishments that are happening in our Pre-College Access Grant Programs," Sandy Ott, Blue Ridge Campus executive director and UNG's principal investigator for Upward Bound, said.

Jerson Lopez currently attends the University of Georgia, pursuing degrees in management information systems and international business. He graduated from Gilmer High School in 2020.

Melissa Lopez is currently attending UNG's Blue Ridge Campus where she's pursuing a degree in management. She aims to transfer to the Dahlonega Campus in fall 2022.

As a college access program, Upward Bound inspires, mentors, and prepares future leaders everyday just like the Lopez-Martinez siblings.

Dr. Latrice Richardson

UNG director of pre-college access grant programs

"When I was in eighth grade, my parents told me I would be responsible for paying for college," he said. "So I started working and becoming self-supporting. My dad was excited when I won the scholarship because he said his fear was that I wouldn't get a college education because of the money. He told me to have faith and trust in God. The scholarship made a big difference for me and my sisters."

Melissa Lopez said that going to college has always been a priority, but she knew it was expensive. Becoming a Dell Scholar meant she would not have to put herself in debt.

"When the time came for me to apply, I was so nervous about whether I should apply and if it would even be possible for me to get it," she said. "My brother knew how much the scholarship helped him, and so he pushed me to apply. After I applied and all the selections were over, I was so excited when I saw the email saying I had gotten the scholarship. I'm so grateful for the scholarship and for the fact my brother has always pushed me to do better."

Courtesy of the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship which can be used up through graduate school, as well as other resources and services.

Dr. Latrice Richardson, director of Pre-College Access Grant Programs at UNG, has worked with the family since 2017, when the Upward Bound program began at Gilmer High School, and remains in touch. Jerson Lopez was one of the first students in the Upward Bound program, she said, adding that the family is close to her heart.

“As a college access program, Upward Bound inspires, mentors, and prepares future leaders every day just like the Lopez-Martinez siblings,” Richardson said. “Our scholars are inquisitive and relentless in their pursuit of postsecondary education. Scholars and parents are excited when the college acceptance letters start rolling in. The expense of it all can be discouraging for first-generation students. One of the primary focuses for UB is helping juniors and seniors figure out how to minimize student loan debt. Scholarships like the Dell award assist in that mission.”

Upward Bound serves underrepresented and underserved students prepare for, enroll and graduate from institutions of higher learning; at UNG, the program serves students from Gilmer High and Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia.