Twin brothers from Fresno are taking the next step in their education on full ride scholarships, worth over half a million dollars, from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), reports KMPH.
Dominic and Donavan Borges, 17, say a local high school program played a big role in getting them into their dream school on a full-ride.
“It’s the best school in the universe so we have amazing teachers that help support us every single day," Donavan told KMPH.
The twins attended Design Science Middle College High School which allowed them to simultaneously get their associates degrees from Fresno City College while earning their high school diplomas.
Dominic and Donavan started taking college courses at the age of 14.
After they received their Associates Degrees in math, they discovered Questbridge, which connects prestigious universities with high achieving students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The brothers say the $600 thousand scholarships are changing their family's trajectory.
"We’re like the first ever in our family to go to college and just a chance to get a full-ride to Caltech, that’s just beyond," said Donavan.
“Basically all of the worries placed on my parents shoulders have just been lifted off because of the scholarship right here," said Dominic.
“Especially for young Latinos like us, it’s hard to find good role models," said Donavan, "So my goal, once I’m done with college and done with everything, I’m gonna come back to Fresno and become like an advocate for young Latinos just like us.”
"Yeah," said Dominic, "I want to help inspire people around here, you know?"
Photo: Getty Images