Five KIPP SoCal Graduates are Each Awarded a $60,000 National Scholarship

Five KIPP SoCal Graduates are Each Awarded a $60,000 National Scholarship

Five KIPP SoCal graduates have each landed a $60,000 prestigious national scholarship, which is making the entire KIPP SoCal family proud. Our KIPPsters are a new generation of leaders and have demonstrated remarkable leadership, resilience, achievement, generosity, kindness, independent thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit. Belen Sanchez, Managing Director of KIPP Through College, says, “Congratulations to you and your families for this achievement! Your selection is emblematic of all the hard work as you continue on your path to and through college.”

Selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide, KIPP SoCal’s Bill Tapia-Figueroa and Sarahi Castillo-Cruz are among 15 recipients who will receive the Dave Goldberg Scholarship, which includes mentoring support, leadership training, professional networking opportunities, and $15,000 for four years in financial support to cover non-tuition expenses throughout college. 

To add, this year, KIPP SoCal’s Keenia Mata, Nicole Beckles, and Yulianna Estrada are among 15 recipients who will receive the Amplify Scholarship, which provides $15,000 a year in financial support for school-year expenses, summer expenses, and technology, plus mentoring during a four-year college experience.

Learn about our Goldberg KIPPsters:

Bill Tapia-Figueroa 
UC Davis 
KIPP LA Prep Alumnus 

“As a future civil engineer, I hope to help people in third world countries. I want to help people who have had their homes destroyed after natural disasters and I want to develop better methods to prevent this from occurring again.”

During his time in high school, he was the Math Club assistant secretary and spent over 200 hours volunteering at the Variety Boys & Girls Club. He hopes to one day create an organization which provides motivation and aid to low-income families. 

“Receiving this scholarship,” says Bill “removes a large stress off of all of our shoulders. This scholarship signifies that my parents won't have to pay for outside costs and most importantly it means that I am one step closer to graduating with a bachelor's degree.”

Message for the community: “As long as you're willing to put the time and effort into what you want, you'll accomplish your goals. Despite your background, you could still work hard and accomplish what you desire.”


Sarahi Castillo-Cruz 
Claremont McKenna College  
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy Alumna 

“To guide my community members by being well educated on the impact of economics and politics on immigration affairs is my ultimate goal.”

Sarahi was the leader of the Latin American Student Organization, during her high school years, raising awareness and educating the Bishop's community on the Latinx experience. She has a strong interest in languages and government and intends to major in International Relations before attending law school.

“Being able to receive this scholarship means that I have access to yet another wonderful mentor and network that will give me the mentorship and opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise,” shares Sarahi.

Message for KIPPsters: “Never give up! I promise you that there are always ways to make your dreams come true and get a step closer to success. Your challenges and obstacles are valid but your perseverance, drive, and desire to reach your goals should always be stronger.”


Learn about our Amplify KIPPsters:

Keenia Mata 
UC Berkeley  
KIPP LA Prep Alumna 

“I hope to conduct my own research to study the biological causes for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety in order to find ways to help patients cope in healthier ways.”

During her time in high school, she was the President of her school's National Honor Society and Lead in the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club. Fun fact: She is also a recipient of the College Board AP Scholar Award. 

Keenia plans on majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Spanish in order to give back to her community of Boyle Heights by advocating for mental health resources. She aspires to be a Neuroscience researcher or a Neurosurgeon. 

“As a low-income student, the fear of paying for college is something that was always hovering over me,” says Keenia. “With this scholarship, I am at ease with knowing that my family won't struggle financially just so I can receive a college education.”

Message to young students: “Regardless of what pathway you take, you will always make it to your ultimate goal as long as you put in the work and have that drive.”


Nicole Beckles 
Franklin & Marshall College
KIPP Scholar Academy Alumna 

“I want to be an adolescent therapist or a counselor in minority communities where I know there is a negative stigma around mental health. I want to be able to help change that stigma.”

In high school, she was the co-leader of the African American Association and the African American Mentoring Program. She played varsity basketball all four years and was captain for three of those years. Nicole is interested in joining the Black Student Union and acapella group in college. 

“Receiving this scholarship means that so many doors have been opened to me,” states Nicole. “To my family, this scholarship means that my education will not be a burden to them and that they won't feel like they are holding me back because of financial reasons.”

Message for the community: It is okay to be the first. I know the pressure of feeling like your whole family is counting on you, but you are strong, and you will make it.”


Yulianna Estrada 
Boston University  
KIPP LA Prep Alumna 

“I want to become a biomedical engineer with the hope of uplifting my community. It is rare to see a person of color, especially a female, completing the work of an engineer, and I hope that I am able to inspire people to see that anything is possible.”

One of Yulianna’s proudest high school achievements was receiving the Excellence in Youth Leadership Award for creating the first STEM program at her local YMCA, and helping that program branch out to different sites in her community.

“To win this scholarship means that I am going to be able to get through school. I will have the full opportunity to focus on my studies without having to worry about how I will pay for necessities.” says Yulianna.

Message for the community: “Anything is possible as long as we put our mind to it ... I am proud of who I am and where I come from. It is because of my community that I dream big, and I'll always try my best. It is because of my family that I don't want to give up because in the end I've made it this far, and it's just the beginning.”


Certainly, the tough conversation for many high school seniors and parents is determining how to financially support those college years. However, KIPP Through College (KTC) counselors at KIPP SoCal Public Schools are here to help. Counselors provide students and families with support along their journey to and through college, including applying for scholarships and individual, personalized counseling —  a support that Bill, Sarahi, Keenia, Nicole, and Yulianna will keep on receiving. 

We are so proud of our diverse KIPPsters as they continue to be an inspiration for our community. (KIPPsters, take a moment to reflect on all your achievements and the path that you’ve laid. KIPP the smile intact — you deserve this scholarship after all your hard work. We know that you will go on to do great things and make the world a better place —  your success story continues!)