Against All Odds: Darlene’s Path to a Full-Ride at NYU Through Urban Upbound College Access Program

Darlene Almonte, a first-generation college student from the Queensbridge Houses, faced extraordinary challenges throughout high school. After losing her father to cancer, she stepped into the role of primary caretaker and translator for her family all while continuing her education.

Despite these responsibilities, Darlene remained determined to pursue her college dreams, even without access to traditional college preparation resources. Through consistent, weekly virtual sessions with Urban Upbound’s College Access program, she received the guidance and support she needed to stay on track. Together, Darlene and the College Access team worked with her to build a strong college list, refine her essays, and navigate every step of the application process.

Darlene’s perseverance paid off! She was accepted to New York University with a full-ride scholarship, including housing.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that when students are supported and given access to the right resources, they can overcome even the most difficult circumstances and achieve their goals.

Learn more about success stories like Darlene’s here: Client Spotlight. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your donation allows us to keep reaching more families. If you’d like to learn more about our impact and work, please follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube) or subscribe to our newsletter.