Sally Bonilla College Fund

Hi, I am Sally Bonilla, a graduating senior from Houston’s Carnegie Vanguard—the high school US News & World Report ranks #10 in the nation. I have worked hard to finish Carnegie's exceptionally demanding program with honors, and I am college bound!

College: It’s a goal I’ve been committed to all my life. I am extremely lucky to have parents and two older brothers who have made my education a priority. As noncitizens, my Honduran-born brothers have seen university as a dream just outside their reach. But it is within MY reach, and my family has sacrificed to set me on the path toward it. My brothers coached me in the study skills I needed to excel at the STEM magnet Rice School, and when I was accepted at the challenging (and selective) Carnegie High, they pooled their money to buy my books, brought coffee to my late-night study sessions, and never stopped telling me I could do it. 

When I graduate four years from now, I will be the first in my family to achieve the dream of holding a US college degree.

My family is loving, but they are also practical. They see my education not as a gift but an investment—an investment they expect me to make good on. And so far I've done done that: persevering at Carnegie as four of my five Rice classmates quit the program; staying on the Honor Roll while taking an extremely rigorous AP/Honors courseload; teaching Sunday School and being the best role model I can be; giving back to my community in many meaningful ways. After college, I will use my Communications degree to spread knowledge and give a voice to the voiceless, repaying those who have invested in me in the very best way I know.

To do all this, I must ask for one more investment: funding. Two great colleges have offered me generous financial packages that include both need-based and merit-based scholarships. But costs are even higher; the scholarships only cover about half. After meeting with school financial counselors, I am wary of taking on big student debt to make ends meet. I need investors who are willing to believe in me.

If you decide to help me—whatever amount of money you choose to give—I vow to steward it responsibly, spend it wisely, and pay it forward gratefully. I humbly ask you to consider making your investment now; every day counts as I determine my path forward.

Thank you sincerely,
Sally Bonilla

College's estimate of expenses:
* Tuition, books for 12-18 hrs: $30,000/yr
* Dorm, meals, internet: $12,508
Total estimated expenses: $42,508/yr

Financial aid offers:
* Need-based grants (Pell, TxEqualizer, College): $7,680
* Merit-based gift: Luther Scholarship: $13,500
Total estimated financial aid: $21,180/yr

Family contribution:
FAFSA est. of what my family can afford to pay: $4,307

Estimated shortfall '17/18 school year: $17,021