Pasadena Unified Student Selected as a QuestBridge College Scholar

Jesus Cortes (Photo – Felita Kealing)

Marshall Fundamental announced that Jesus Cortes was selected as a distinguished QuestBridge College Scholar.

By Felita Kealing

Jesus Cortes’ Scholarship and his QuestBridge College Partner match have positioned him to begin his post-secondary education at Colby College, a private liberal arts college in Waterville, Maine. The total award exceeding $350,000 will cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and travel expenses.

Jesus is one of the  17,800 applicants and one of the 1,464 accepted into the Colby Class of 2023. That is 6% of incoming Freshman Class in Colby Colleges historic year of applications.

Jesus Cortes began his educational career with the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) in Kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary and joined the Marshall Fundamental Eagle family in 6th grade. He is enrolled in the Puente Program and is a participant in the Cal State Los Angeles Upward Bound Program, which provided Jesus’ fundamentals in college preparation.

Jesus was a member of the National Honor Society, the Asian Club, the Armenian Club, the Christian Club, the National Honor Society, the Puente Club, and the S.E.A. Club. He is the founder of the Gym Club and a founding member of the ACT Club.  For recreation, Jesus practices Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing.

When Jesus was asked what had the greatest impact in meeting his college goals, he answered, “It was Upward Bound and more particularly the Upward Bound Summer Enrichment Program where I was taking a STEM class that helped me find my passion for Chemistry.”

Alred Liu, Academic Advisor for Upward Bound, Los Angeles mentioned, “Upward Bound provides students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds with opportunities to explore colleges and prepare for college applications. Jesus Cortes has participated in Upward Bound Math/Science since 9th grade. I believe that the dedication he has shown to both the program and his education demonstrates his resilience and unwavering passion for higher education. Jesus will undoubtedly succeed at Colby College and achieve his education and career goals in the future.”

Jesus has accepted the QuestBridge Scholarship to attend Colby College in the fall with intentions to major in Biochemistry.