For students at the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, college is not just a dream people talk about, it is something that becomes real with the right support. 

And for two HS223 students, their dreams of college have come true by matching through the Questbridge program.

“It is a life-changing opportunity that gives students access, confidence, and a future they may not have thought was within reach” said Brittni Ortiz a HS223 college counselor.

Katherine Paredes matched with Princeton University and Paige Innis matched with Hamilton College and will now have their college expenses covered for four full years through Quesstbridge which, according to their website, “connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds” with high ranked colleges and universities.

Students applying to the program face multiple applications and interviews and must “match” with the school before they are able to call themselves Questbridge scholars. 

“While the application process was long, the support from the college office made it possible” said Katherine Paredes.

For Katherine, the support she received made a stressful process manageable. She admitted she almost did not apply because the application felt overwhelming, saying she thought it was “too much work,” but she took the risk because it was a great opportunity.

“They helped me with the documents I needed to submit because I was confused. I’ve never really known what any of the taxes meant so they really helped me make sure that I was submitting the right things and they also printed my stuff out,” said Katherine.

Paige Innis also credited the college office for making sure that she was well prepared throughout the process.

“The college office prepared me for senior year by telling us what we’re going to need during multiple parent meetings and when they visited our classes during advisory to let us know what we’re going to need next for this year and that was very helpful because it got me one step ahead,” said Paige. 

The impact of the Questbridge acceptances is far reaching, inspiring younger students to also dream big about these opportunities.

“Many students do not have outside support and rely heavily on the college office for guidance. QuestBridge is helpful but requires passion and commitment, and I know that the college office is always willing to help students who are serious about applying,” said Angie Uzcha (Class of 2027).

QuestBridge is a big deal for the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology because it proves that with the right support, students can compete at the highest level. The college office does not just help students apply to college: it helps them believe they belong there.

“I can’t wait to be a future freshman at Hamilton College. Earning a full ride is exactly what I was aiming for. I think all students with strong grades should apply. This opportunity has completely changed my life,” said Paige.