When Edwin Rodriguez walks onto the campus of Columbia University in New York City this fall, he’ll do so as a QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, a distinction awarded to the high-achieving students across the country.
 
A senior at Ball High School and a participant in Galveston College’s TRIO Upward Bound program, Rodriguez earned the highly competitive scholarship through a rigorous national selection process.
 
QuestBridge is a nationally recognized organization that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with some of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities. Through a rigorous application and selection process, this application cycle matched 2,550 Finalists with 55 college partners, who have earned funding for the full cost of tuition and room and board.    
“Upward Bound has supported me every step of the way,” said Rodriguez. “From helping me stay on track academically to guiding me through college and scholarship applications, the program provided me with the knowledge, guidance, confidence and resources I needed to believe that attending a university like Columbia was possible.”  
 
Rodriguez has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership throughout his high school career, while balancing a demanding academic schedule, extracurriculars, community service, work and other commitments. He currently serves as the Class of 2026 president, National Honor Society president, and captain of the Ballet Folklorico de Ball High School.  
 
In addition to his high school accomplishments, Rodriguez has also benefited from the Galveston College’s Dual Credit program and is on track to earn his associate degree in May, allowing him to enter Columbia University with substantial college-level coursework. His plans are to major in biochemistry, with hopes to attend medical school to pursue a career as a virologist.  
 
As a GC TRIO Upward Bound participant for all four years of high school, Rodriguez joined the program the summer after completing eighth grade. Throughout this time, Upward Bound has supported his academic growth while preparing him for and assisting with college admissions, financial aid processes, and scholarship application processes.  
 
“Edwin’s achievement reflects both his resilience and determination, and the impact of long-term academic support and college preparation,” said GC Upward Bound Director, Priselda Perez. “He exemplifies what is possible when students are given access to guidance, encouragement and higher education pathways.”
 
Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic support, college readiness services, and mentoring to low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. Through programming and individual guidance, GC’s Upward Bound program is funded to annually serve 60 high school students from Ball High School. 
 
This fall, Rodriguez will enroll at Columbia University as a QuestBridge Scholar after completing both his high school diploma from BHS and associate degree from GC in May. 
 
For more information about Upward Bound services at Galveston College, or to learn more about TRIO programs on campus, please contact Priselda Perez at 409-944-1253 or [email protected].
 
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.