Past Scholarship Recipients

Vanessa Molina Leon
Compton Community College

“There’s been many times where I’ve given up. I gave up on high school, so that’s when I attended Sunburst Youth
Academy. I’ve learned how to keep pushing forward and to never hold back on what I’m capable of. I never thought I
would be capable of earning a scholarship. It took me by a huge surprise when I found out I won a scholarship to You Run
This Town. You have pushed me even more to pursuit my education. I’m so excited to major in child development and
finally after thinking about it so long, I want to be kindergarten teacher. I am so excited to see what the future holds for
me. Thank you so much”

Aya Baazizi 
California State University, Fullerton

“I would like to say thank you for believing in me.”

Erik Sanchez
Orange Coast College

Ashley Joya Mercado
Los Angeles Valley College

“I am grateful for the scholarship I have been awarded. Writing the essay made me visualize myself in the future and all the goals I want to accomplish. I am thankful for the workshops I got to participate in because they opened my eyes and I learned lots of new skills that I will use to reach…achieve my goals.”

Lidia Alma Vargas
Cal State University Los Angeles

“Thank you for selecting me for the $1000 Scholarship. I feel very fortunate for having the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. This will help me financially for my education.  I know that this is another step taken to reach my goals. I hope that YRTTF OC continues to provide this great opporunity for students to receive financial help..”

Nancy Tecpoyotl
Cal State University Fullerton

“I would love to say thank you to the donors for their extreme generosity. Getting this scholarship is a blessing as it will help with the cost of school including purchasing a laptop which I’ve been saving for. May God bless you. This has encouraged me to do the same for others in the future.”

Mariyah Johnson
Southern University at New Orleans

“Receiving this scholarship boosted my confidence and really encouraged me to continue applying to colleges.  You Run This Town Foundation OC is incredible and changed my life and for that I’d like to give thanks to the entire team!”

Ruth Gutierrez Granados
California State University, Fullerton

“Thank you so much to all the donors who have made it possible for me to further my education and encourage me to achieve my academic goals. With your help I am able to focus on my school work and not have to worry about paying for school.”

Rhomieo Castillo
Long Beach City College

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to further my education and find a good career in automotive. I appreciate everything your program does for the youth community.  Thank you once again.”

Angel Diaz
Cypress College

“This scholarship has enabled me to pursue my educational goals with more freedom than would otherwise be attainable. Knowing that I can come out of my first two years of college virtually debt free, gives me the courage to transfer to the CSU of my dreams.”

Talon Wolf   
Mt. San Jacinto College

Miguel Escobar
Long Beach City College

“Thank you for giving me this scholarship and giving me the chance to continue my education after my journey at Sunburst Youth Academy. I’m very thankful, and I will take this opportunity and expand my knowledge and skills.”

Maria Arellano
Vanguard University

“I would like to thank YRTTF OC for making going to college /university possible for us. This scholarship has helped me not have to worry about paying for school, but instead focus on my academics.  I am beyond grateful for this.  Thank you.”