Debt is one of the strongest predictors of future financial health for students in the United States – especially for first-generation, low-income students.
At Chicago Scholars, we’re committed to helping Scholars graduate with as little debt as possible, and we’re proud to partner with colleges and universities that share that goal, like California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Since 2025, Cal Poly has offered scholarships to up to three Chicago Scholars each year.
Andrea Ortiz, Chicago Scholars Class of 2029, was the first recipient of the scholarship and just finished her first year on campus. Andrea said Cal Poly hadn’t been on her radar before she became a Scholar, but once she learned about the school, she was immediately interested. Andrea found out she’d received a scholarship a few days after she got her Cal Poly admissions decision.
“It made me feel like all of my hard work had paid off, and with Chicago Scholars, and my counselor, they gave me the confidence to believe that going to Cal Poly was actually possible,” Andrea said. “Coming from a family that could not support me financially through college, it felt amazing to know that I had received this opportunity. It also reminded me that there are people who believe in me and want to support my journey.”
Since arriving at Cal Poly, Andrea has embraced the Learn by Doing model, studying Animal Science through hands-on experiences with cows, horses, and more. With approximately 10,000 animals residing at Cal Poly, some of her experiences have included feeding and checking on the health of day-old calves, working with a graduate student on her research project about rattlesnakes, and sticking her hand inside a cow’s rumen which allows for safe access for research purposes. “Knowing that when I go to class, I will have opportunities to learn through real hands-on experience makes me so excited,” Andrea said.
Class of 2030 Scholars Dja Saenz and Kylie Watts have also been awarded scholarships and will start at Cal Poly in the fall. Both Scholars first learned about Cal Poly at the Chicago Scholars College Fair in July 2025 and were immediately intrigued by the scholarship opportunities.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Dja said about the moment she found out she’d received the scholarship. “I come from a first-generation family. I am the middle of three sisters, and my oldest sister didn’t really go to college, so being chosen out of so many applicants felt unreal. It meant a lot that a college looked at my GPA, my classes, and all the work I put in and decided I deserved this opportunity.”
“I was so excited and knew right then and there where I would be attending in the Fall,” Kylie said. “Early April, they invited the other Scholars and I to visit San Luis Obispo. We got to tour the campus, go to the local beach, and got to meet people in our major. I had the time of my life, met so many friends, and knew I made the right decision.”
Kylie and Dja are looking forward to starting their studies and enjoying the scenery in San Luis Obispo. Kylie plans to follow a pre-med track and wants to go on to be an anesthesiologist. Inspired by the increased need for mental health support during the pandemic, Dja plans to study psychology.
“I grew up noticing that there were not many Mexican therapists who understood our culture and the experiences that come with it. I want to be someone who can give that support to my community,” Dja said.
“To me, this scholarship means the world,” Kylie said. “I feel so grateful that I get to go to an amazing school, free of charge, and can’t wait to attend in the fall.”
