"I come from a community where going to college is not what many people choose. College is a big step for me, but I am determined to succeed." These are the words of scholarship recipient Linda Vazquez, who will be able to attend college thanks to Scholarship America.

Like many students, Linda was inspired by her family to pursue a college education. "My mother has inspired me to go on to college. She was born in Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. when she was 17 years old to pursue 'the American Dream.' As a single parent, she worked hard to support her six children. She would always encourage me to follow my dreams and never give up. Her hard work and determination have set me on a path for success."

Like all too many students, though, Linda and her family couldn't afford the high price of education on their own. Fortunately, Scholarship America was there to help: thanks to her local Dollars for Scholars chapter, Linda will be able to start at UCLA in the fall, where she hopes to take the first steps on the journey to her dream career.

"My dream is to open my own medical practice and make healthcare accessible to anyone. I know that college will be another obstacle that I must overcome in my life. It will require me to study and work hard in order to succeed. Unlike high school, I will be on my own. But it is that college education that will help me realize my dreams for my future."

Help support students like Linda by donating today. If you give a donation by June 30, 2009 your gift will be doubled, providing up to $20,000 towards the effort to make postsecondary education possible for all students.