Hi everyone, my name is Andres Burgos, and I am a Junior at Stranahan High School.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve understood the world through my fascinated mind always seeking answers, and repairing what is broken. Whether it’s fixing broken cabinets, repairing light fixtures, repairing broken controls, or helping my family change the oil and brakes on our cars, I love the challenge of figuring out how things work—and how to make them work better.

Recently, I realized that this passion isn't just a hobby; it’s my future. I have set my sights on becoming an Aerospace Engineer, with the ultimate dream of working at SpaceX.

However, I discovered this passion a little later than some of my peers. I decided to pursue engineering in the middle of 10th grade, which means I have some catching up to do to build my resume and skills before college.

I am thrilled to share that I have been invited to attend The National Youth Leadership and Engineering Program. This program is the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap. It will give me the hands-on experience and technical knowledge I need to compete for engineering scholarships and college admissions.

The Challenge: As a student from a low-income background, the tuition for this prestigious program is out of reach for my family. To be more precise, the cost of tuition for the program at Yale University is $4,500. I have already applied for the program scholarship, which has provided me $500. However, I still need $4,000 more.

How You Can Help: I am asking for your support to help cover the tuition costs. By donating, you aren't just sending a kid to camp; you are investing in a future engineer. You are helping me turn the skills I learned at fixing family's cars into the skills needed to launch rockets.

Any amount brings me one step closer to my dream. Thank you so much for believing in me!