EXPANDING IMPACT
2015
Meritus is named a “ Bright Spot ” by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics , an honor bestowed on fewer than 250 organizations nationally . In an effort to reach more underserved populations within San Francisco , Meritus accepts Scholars from targeted parochial schools for the first time .
2016
Meritus celebrates our 20th anniversary ! We are recognized as the 2016 Scholarship Provider of the Year by the National Scholarship Providers Association . To ensure that even more talented young people have access to our program , Meritus begins serving Scholars from San Mateo and Santa Clara counties .
Jordan didn ’ t realize how much he would have to do between the time he was accepted to the University of San Francisco and his first day of class . Because he ’ s the first in his family to attend college , Jordan relied on Meritus to help him navigate this crucial time of transition .
With the help of Meritus ’ comprehensive onboarding workshops and his staff advisor , Jordan learned how to interpret his financial aid package , navigate campus resources , and plan for the beginning of college . Meritus also gave Jordan the push he needed to sign up for a summer bridge program at USF , an experience that helped him find his community on campus .
Jordan had one big takeaway from the summer bridge program : College is what you make of it . In his first semester , that meant getting involved in campus groups like the Latinx student union and his residence hall council . In the future , it will mean further exploring his interests in medicine and community service , while continuing to inspire friends and family in his hometown of Redwood City .
“ Meritus ’ support and encouragement pushed me , and that put me in the right place at the right time .”
Jordan Sandoval Future Graduate : University of San Francisco Major : Biology
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