Continuing your education after high school is one of the most important ways you can guarantee a successful future.

• Credential or license
• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree

UnidosNow is a program partner of REACH Manatee, and its programs have helped countless students prepare for college.

Axel joined UnidosNow’s Future Leaders Academy in his junior year. He graduated from Braden River High School this past May. He, like many of UnidosNow scholars, attended a FAFSA lab to complete his application. Axel’s story is a little bit more complicated.

He was born in the United States of America but his mother was undocumented. She decided to move back to Mexico several years ago and Axel moved with her. He crossed the border every day to continue attending school in the United States.

After a few years, he moved to Bradenton with his sister. He excelled in his academics and was accepted to several universities. As he was filling out his FAFSA application, he realized that he needed one of his parent’s information. His father was never part of his life, his mom was in Mexico, and his sister was not his legal guardian.

UnidosNow helped him with the process. He printed the signature page and mailed it to his mom in Mexico and after a few weeks, he was able to mail a signed copy to FAFSA and was approved for the full amount. FAFSA selected his application for verification. His mom had to submit pay stubs, a letter from employer to verify her income, and many other requested documents.

Axel did not give up. He gathered all documentation needed because he knew that this was his chance to obtain money to pay for school and to apply for merit scholarships. After verifying all documents, FAFSA granted him a full Pell Grant. He is currently pursuing a career in engineering at Florida State University. He continues to excel not only in the academics but in every area of his life.