On June 20, people from diverse walks of life gathered at Metropolitan Community College to experience the talent of the school’s Culinary Arts program, but that’s not all they had in common.

Each person was there to celebrate the True Potential Scholarship in some way. Current scholarship recipients were recognized and cheered on. Recent graduates were applauded for their accomplishments. Families, advocates and community partners shared their pride and congratulations. Benefactors of the program shared in the joy of each and stepped up to do more, raising more than $40,000 to provide 50-60 scholarships in the coming year.

Linares shared with them his journey as a Salvadorian immigrant. Overcoming social and economic barriers, he is now the first lawyer with his legal status in Nebraska. Thanks to scholarships like True Potential, he conquered the struggles faced by each student in the room that night – unable to receive federal loans and many scholarships due to his immigration status.

Thanks to a scholarship like True Potential, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Latino/Latin American Studies and a Juris Doctor. Today, Linares helps unaccompanied migrant children navigate the complex legal system in the United States through the Immigrant Legal Center.

“César is a wonderful success story of someone who’s education not only changed the course of their life, but is contributing to our communities and helping protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Karen, co-founder of the True Potential Scholarship. “We are humbled and grateful that he joined us to inspire our students and our guests. The money we raised at our event will fund 50-60 scholarships for students who have remarkable things ahead of them. Just like César, all they need is a chance.”

For 11 years, the True Potential Scholarship program has been opening doors for young immigrants seeking higher education. Founded by Ross Pesek, CEO of Pesek Law, and his wife, Karen, CFO of the firm, the initiative aims to empower immigrant students by providing them with the opportunity to earn a quality, affordable education and achieve their dreams.

Mexican Consul Jorge Espejel praised the efforts of the program, which specifically focuses on immigrant students for awards.

“True Potential Scholarships provide a great resource for students to be successful in higher studies,” said Espejel. “That’s not only good for Mexican communities, it’s good for the entire state of Nebraska.”

“We believe education is key to building strong communities and opening up chances for everyone to live the life of their dreams,” said Ross Pesek, Karen’s husband, co-founder of the True Potential Scholarship and CEO of Pesek Law. “My wife and I both know what it’s like to live in another country, where everything feels different and you stand out. We were both immigrant students at one point and we both completed our degrees on a path that began with community college. That’s why we started the True Potential Scholarship.”

Students are invited to apply year-round; applications are available online and reviewed as they are received. Find more information and apply online at https://truepotentialscholarship.org/apply

About True Potential

Since 2013, the True Potential Scholarship has been helping young people who find it hard to go to college because of their immigration status. True Potential Scholarships provide young immigrants an opportunity to make their dreams reality through quality, affordable education and are a key part of the mission at Pesek Law. Learn more at https://truepotentialscholarship.org/.

About Pesek Law LLC

Pesek Law specializes in legal defense services for Spanish-speaking individuals affected by negligence. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-immigration status families, Pesek Law is dedicated to protecting their clients’ rights and securing fair compensation. The firm is committed to their clients and bringing hope and justice to their community. For more information on Pesek Law, visit www.peseklaw.com or call (402)342-9684.

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A Recipient and a donor share their thoughts on the impact of True Potential Scholarship.

Since 2013, the injury law firm, Pesek Law, has contributed to the True Potential Scholarship program, an endeavor that has been opening doors for young immigrants seeking higher education. Founded by Ross Pesek, CEO of Pesek Law, and his wife, Karen, CFO of the firm, the initiative aims to empower immigrant students by providing them with the opportunity to attend college and achieve their dreams.

“True Potential Changed my Life:” Meet Israel

Israel is a nontraditional student who headed back to school after starting a family. He says the True Potential Scholarship created a turning point for him.
“My journey with True Potential and Karen has been amazing!” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to go back to school to study and improve my life. I feel extremely blessed to have their support.”

He received his first award in 2023, starting his first class in September. He’s been tackling classes one or two at a time ever since and is on track to earn his degree in 2025.

How did you learn about the True Potential Scholarship?

I heard about the True Potential Scholarship from Roberto, a success navigator at the learning community center in South Omaha. He helped me to find resources and apply for different scholarships.

What degree are you pursuing?

I am pursuing Electrical Technology. Years ago, I was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and I saw the electricians installing wires. There were wires everywhere, from the electrical panel to each of the rooms, hallways, stairs – everywhere. It grabbed my full attention; it was so interesting to me.

What career are you working toward?

I would like to become a full-time electrician. I was studying for my GED when representatives from Metropolitan Community College – where I am now attending classes – visited the center. They talked about trades that were in high demand, as well as some opportunities that Metro was offering once we finished the GED. One of the trades was electrical. I was so excited! I immediately thought about my experience with Habitat for Humanity and knew this was my chance.

I could learn more about something I found so interesting and potentially make it my career. With the help of True Potential, I know I will. They have helped me so much and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

What advice do you have for future students?

For anyone who dreams of continuing to study, I would say make an effort to find resources. No matter how difficult it is, never give up.

Of course, it is very discouraging and sad when you apply for scholarships and, for different reasons, you do not qualify for any of them. Fortunately, there are Angels like Karen at the helm of organizations like True Potential making dreams come true for people like me. I did not have the opportunity to study in my country to fulfill my dreams and goals, but now I do.

Business Owner, Mentor, Benefactor: Why Ricardo Castro Gives to the True Potential Scholarship

Ricardo Castro, founder of Castro Realty, has been a sponsor of the True Potential fundraiser for ten years. Ricardo also employs a True Potential graduate, Martha Gomez. Martha is one of the first realtors in Nebraska with DACA status. Ricardo has been a mentor to her and other students.

How did you learn about the True Potential Scholarship?

Ross Pesek was the first person to share True Potential with me.

What made you decide to support this cause?

I support the True Potential Scholarship because it is focused on a specific segment of our community that, I feel, needs the boost. My wife and I immigrated from Peru, so we understand some of the challenges these students are facing.

I trust Ross and Karen, and I appreciate the work they are doing to provide justice and equal opportunity for families of mixed immigration status.”

What advice do you have for students?

Keep reaching for your goals. Be disciplined, never give up and remember to ask for help. If you have goals and plan to reach them, you can absolutely do it.

Learn more about the True Potential Scholarship; donate or apply now by clicking here 

True Potential Scholarship

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You might find it surprising, but I know what it’s like to feel out of place. I lived in Mexico City once. I looked so different and stood out so much that people would even stop to take pictures of me in the street. Those moments made me really understand how important it is to connect with others on a human level, no matter how different we seem. We all want the best for ourselves and our families.

My wife, Karen, immigrated to the United States with the goal of becoming bilingual and then returning to Mexico to complete her college education. We met at Central Community College and, well, the rest is history.

We both went on to earn our degrees with the help of scholarships – law school for me and Public Accounting for her. We have worked incredibly hard to get where we are today. Being immigrants, going to community college and getting scholarships made a huge difference in our lives. We met a lot of people who faced the same challenges we did, especially when it came to barriers to higher education.

In 2013, we started the True Potential Scholarship because we believe everyone deserves a chance to make their life better through education. Education opens doors to good jobs and strong families, which builds up our entire community.

The scholarship focuses on helping young immigrants because they face a lot of tough barriers. Some of them don’t find out about their immigration status until they’re almost done with high school. Suddenly, their plans for college seem impossible. Our scholarship gives them a chance to go to college, learn the skills to build the life they’ve dreamed of and help our communities grow.

We started by helping young people who have DACA and Temporary Protective Immigration Status here in the U.S. But now, we help all immigrants. Our mission is to help these young folks get to college without letting the cost stop them in their tracks.

Another detail of the True Potential Scholarship is that we specifically partner with community colleges. Why? Well, it’s more affordable, which means the scholarship can help more students. Plus, students can stay close to home and manage their schedules better. We’re working with community colleges in Nebraska and Iowa that match our scholarship funds, making the money go even further.

Applications are accepted year-round. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a True Potential Scholarship, just go to our website www.truepotentialscholarship.org.

If you have questions, please get in touch! We believe in helping everyone reach their true potential.

Because when we help others, we make our world a better place.

La entrada True Potential Scholarships: Helping Immigrant Students Succeed in Higher Education se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.

We are so proud of True Potential student Dayana Hurtado who was able to submit her website proposal for the South Omaha Business Improvement District. The True Potential Scholarship creates opportunities for immigrants like Dayana who have a lot to contribute to the community and just need a little help. We are proud of the work she has done to date, and we look forward to helping more students become involved in the well-being of the community. 
 
The True Potential Scholarship pays for tuition at Nebraska Community Colleges and Iowa Western Community College. We support students in any program or career that they desire. For more information on who qualifies for the scholarship, visit our website www.truepotentialscholarship.org or call our offices at 402.342.9684.
 
Congratulations to Dayana and her business Supera Digital Marketing for the excellent presentation. 

La entrada The True Potential Scholarship is Accepting Applications se publicó primero en Pesek Law LLC.