IN THIS EDITION
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT SUCCESS
Take an inside look at our latest event, CollegeReady Takes Center Stage!, which highlighted first-gen students who are pursuing their goal of earning a college degree
COLLEGEREADY GRAD IS PROUD TO INSPIRE OTHERS
Senior speaker Erick is thankful for the support and guidance he’s received on his path to college
Join us at the Lamp of Knowledge Celebration on July 10!
COLLEGEREADY TAKES CENTER STAGE: A CELEBRATION OF FIRST-GEN SUCCESS
Hope, pride, and possibility filled UW-Green Bay’s Weidner Center on May 21 as CollegeReady hosted its annual celebration, CollegeReady Takes Center Stage!, honoring students who are paving the way as first-generation college-goers.
The event recognized the achievements of middle and high school students enrolled in our college readiness program – especially this year’s graduating seniors, who signed letters of intent to continue their education at institutions across the state and beyond.
After signing their college letters of intent, the CollegeReady Class of 2025 smiles together
“This event marks a significant accomplishment for each and every one of our students,” said CollegeReady Executive Director Brent Roubal. “Our seniors are declaring their next chapter, and in doing so, inspiring the younger students following in their footsteps.”
Among the 21 graduating seniors celebrated this year, 100% will be attending college this fall, compared to just 36% of first-generation students statewide. Destinations include UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Washington and Lee University.
Student speaker Erick Brito addressed the crowd with encouragement and authenticity. “Even when times get hard, I promise you, there will always be someone out there who wants to help,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to take up space, to chase those opportunities, and to believe that you deserve them.”
CollegeReady serves students in the Green Bay Area Public School District, beginning in 6th grade and continuing through high school. The program includes academic support, college preparation, mentorship, service learning, and bilingual family workshops – all designed to help students overcome the barriers first-generation students often face. Graduates are also eligible to earn up to $5,000 in scholarship funding.
Dr. Jennifer Flatt congratulates CollegeReady grad Luis, who will be attending NWTC in the fall
Dr. Jennifer Flatt, Vice President of Student Affairs at NWTC, emphasized the long-term impact of the program. “These students aren’t just changing their own futures—they’re changing what’s possible for generations to come. Organizations like CollegeReady are instrumental in showing students that anything is possible.”
After the senior signing ceremony, our 6th-11th graders crossed the stage, receiving either a trophy, medal, or certificate to recognize their hard work and participation with CollegeReady during the past school year. From the audience, their friends and family cheered and snapped plenty of photos.
CollegeReady scholars receive applause and hugs from family and friends
UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander echoed the importance of our mission to help first-gen students: “We are proud to partner with CollegeReady and the amazing work they are doing to prepare students who are the first in their families to attend college.”
UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander welcomes Ariana to UW-Green Bay next year
As the spotlight was shining on each student taking the stage, one thing was clear: the future is brighter because of their courage, determination, and the community that believes in them.
Want to see more? Check out the event photo album and video at collegereadywi.org/centerstage
JOIN US ON JULY 10th AND HELP LIGHT THE PATH TO COLLEGE FOR LOCAL YOUTH!
Our annual scholarship and recognition celebration is happening next month! At the 2025 Lamp of Knowledge Celebration, we’ll award scholarships to deserving Class of 2025 recipients and introduce the latest group of middle school students to enter our college readiness program.
This very special annual event honors hard work, celebrates bright futures, and reminds students that their community is cheering them on every step of the way! We’re looking forward to an inspiring keynote address from previous CollegeReady scholarship recipient Max Hauser, UW-Oshkosh alum and founder of Liminal Vision Productions.
Event sponsorships are still available, and if you haven’t already registered to attend the Lamp of Knowledge Celebration, there’s still time! Head over to collegereadywi.org/lok and check out our sponsor benefits or sign up to attend. Please RSVP by July 2nd.
We hope to see you there!
THIS COLLEGEREADY GRAD INSPIRES OTHERS WITH HIS DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERENCE
DESPITE THE OBSTACLES, ERICK IS MAKING HIS COLLEGE DREAMS COMES TRUE
Thinking back to his time as a child in Mexico, Erick remarks that college felt like a distant dream. “I never could have imagined standing here before all of you, saying that I will be the first in my family to attend college,” he remarks from the podium, where he served as a featured student speaker during our CollegeReady Takes Center Stage! event.
Erick inspired the audience at CollegeReady Takes Center Stage in 2025
Several years ago when he and his parents talked about moving together from Mexico to the United States, Erick was uncertain. “I felt scared, yet excited. I was afraid to leave my world behind; I didn’t know the language, the people, or the way of living,” he shares. “But I decided, at 13 years old, that I wanted to try and take a leap of faith.”
“But first,” he said, “I had to learn English.”
Moving to a new country with a new language was already difficult, let alone during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in place. Making friends seemed impossible. “Everything felt foreign,” Erick explains. “I felt isolated. I felt like I did not belong here.”
However, after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, Erick started to find his way. He joined CollegeReady, the Green Bay East High School tennis team, National Honor Society and clubs like Link Crew and Forensics. All of these experiences taught him new skills and helped him gain perspective and leadership experience. “I found people who believed and saw the potential in me, just as my parents did, even when I doubted myself,” Erick shares.
Erick and his family share a proud moment as he signs his college letter of intent to study at Washington and Lee University
And all the while, he was practicing English and spending time volunteering in the community, accruing more than 400 service hours during high school. “Losing myself in service helped me find my place and showed me that service is a way of life that brings us all together,” he says.
Now, after four years of hard work and dedication to his studies and extracurriculars, he is ready for what’s next. “I’m proud to say that this fall I will be attending Washington and Lee University in Virginia, with a full-ride scholarship,” he shares with a smile. He plans to study biology and eventually pursue a degree and career in Dentistry.
From the podium, Erick offered encouragement to our younger students to take full advantage of the opportunities that come their way, and not to be afraid to ask questions. His life experiences have taught him a thing or two about perseverance: “Always keep moving forward, and don’t give up on your dreams,” he shares. “There will be challenges and mistakes along the way – but if you are determined, you will achieve them no matter how big you think they are.”
