Help Alejandro Get to UCLA Graduate School to be Teacher

I’ve recently been accepted into UCLA’s Graduate School of Education where I’ll be pursuing my Master’s in Education and teaching credential to teach Ethnic Studies in LAUSD. As one of the only 2% of Latino male educators in the nation, I recognize the urgency and responsibility of stepping into this role. I feel it’s more important now than ever to teach a critical Ethnic Studies curriculum that uplifts our youth with the truth of their history and empowers them to take action, create change in their communities, and ultimately, transform the world.

This next step is deeply personal for me. As someone who struggled in school growing up, navigating the death of my father, substance abuse, community violence, and housing, I often felt misunderstood and criminalized by the very systems meant to support me. I was expelled twice, placed in a continuation school, and counted out by many. But that school became a turning point: I met teachers who saw my potential, challenged me, and helped me imagine a future beyond survival. It was there that I realized I wanted to become the kind of educator who could transform the lives of students like me.

Graduate school is very expensive and I have many costs to cover. I currently don't own a computer and will be commuting from home in East LA to UCLA every day. Anything will help and is greatly appreciated. Please follow my journey on social media IG: Juarez_Travels or FB Alex Xipecoatl Juarez and look out for a possible fundraiser event!