A first-generation college graduate is now helping to make the path to college graduation more accessible for North Texas students. He's this week's KRLD Difference Maker.
As a first-generation Latino, Joey Rodriguez knows the struggle of being the first in his family to go through the college experience.
"Both my parents are from Mexico," Joey said. "I know from personal experience what that journey looks like and how scary it is to be the first in your family to go to college and get your master's degree. Those are things I had to do first in my family and oftentimes it feels like you're doing everything wrong. You don't have guidance, or the right support. So I just thought when I came into education that I wanted to create something that I would have benefited from as a college student."
What he created was Firme DFW, a nonprofit college readiness program. Firme DFW is a non-profit that provides first-generation Latino college students with the resources they need to thrive in college. Those resources include financial resources, mentorship and a college pairing process, which helps students clarify which colleges would be best for their situation.
Latinos enroll in college at higher rates than any other demographic but the graduation rates are low.
"We have about a 90% graduation rate of Latinos in [Dallas ISD], but only 21% of our graduates are actually college-ready," Joey said. The rates are even lower for student graduates who are in bilingual programs.
"That's a disservice to our kids so what we are really trying to do is close that gap," Joey said.
Firme DFW commits up to 12 thousand dollars per student and surrounds them with and their families with support.
Firme DFW needs monthly donors and volunteers to help with mentorships. Join Firme DFW at their Firme Fest on May 7th, 2023 from 1pm-6pm at Four Corners Brewery. There will be vendors, food, drinks and more and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Firme DFW Scholarship Fund.
We're proud to call Joey Rodriguez and Firme DFW this week's KRLD Difference maker.
If you know someone making a difference in the community, send us an email at differencemaker@krld.com.
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