Read our
2024 Impact Report!
Every program and service you help us support gives families and youth the resources they need to pursue college and a career.
Impact Stories
-
When Alejandra Salazar first stepped into the EAGLE Scholars program in sixth grade, she wasn’t sure what to expect. College felt like a distant dream—something she hoped for but didn’t fully understand. Today, as a neuroscience major at the University of Texas at Dallas, Alejandra credits Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation’s EAGLE Scholars program for opening doors she never imagined possible.
Growing up in Vickery Meadow, Alejandra’s parents, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, instilled in her a deep appreciation for education despite the many challenges they faced. "I didn't really know much about college, but I knew I wanted to go," she recalls. EAGLE Scholars became more than just a program to her. it became a support system that equipped her with the tools to succeed.
From college field trips to hands-on medical workshops, the program provided invaluable experiences that helped shape her career aspirations. One defining moment was shadowing a cardiologist, which sparked her passion for medicine. "That experience made me realize that becoming a doctor wasn't just a dream, it was something I could actually achieve," Alejandra shares.
Throughout her journey, VMYDF helped Alejandra develop critical skills like public speaking and interview preparation. She fondly remembers how the program guided her through the complex college application process, helping her translate her aspirations into compelling essays. "That support made all the difference. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today," she says.
Alejandra is proud of her heritage and is determined to give back to her community. Her dream extends beyond becoming a doctor. She hopes to create scholarships and mentorship opportunities for future EAGLE Scholars. "VMYDF isn’t just about college—it’s about experiencing new cultures, building lifelong connections, and realizing your potential. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate."
You can help more students like Alejandra achieve their dreams. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, your support makes a difference. Join us in shaping brighter futures.
Impact Statistics
300
VMYDF has served 300 EAGLE scholars since 2008, continuing to grow the program year over year.
63 | 44
63 scholars are currently in college and 39 scholars have graduated with a four-year degree.
$1.35MM
Since inception, VMYDF has given out $1.3MM in scholarships for college education
Mom’s Group Testimonials
“The most valuable thing is being able to learn from other moms’ experiences and acquire tools to face every challenge I have in my daily life, both personally and as a mother. Having children is already a challenge, but preparing for their upbringing is essential, especially regarding their education. Learning to save, helping them with their tasks, and making a life plan are steps towards their future.
Lo más valioso es poder aprender de experiencias de otras mamás y obtener herramientas para enfrentar cada reto que tengo en la vida diaria tanto personal como de madre. Tener hijos ya es un reto pero prepararse para su crianza es es esencial, en particular los estudios. Aprender ahorrar, ayudarlos en sus tareas y hacer un plan de vida es un paso para su futuro.”
“I believe that what I have liked the most is sharing experiences with other mothers who go through situations similar to mine as a mother and as a woman. The stages of growth and development of our children often make us doubt our abilities to guide them. In these mom’s groups, we encourage each other to learn and seek the necessary help, which helps us feel confident and informed to become better women and mothers.
Creo que ami lo que más me a gustado es compartir experiencias con otras madres que pasan por situaciones iguales a las mías como madre y como mujer las etapas de crecimiento y de desarrollo de nuestros hijos que muchas veces nos hacen dudar de nuestras capacidades para guiarlos en estos grupos de mamás nos animamos unas a otras a aprender y a buscar la ayuda necesaria,nos ayuda a sentirnos seguras al igual que informadas para ser unas mejores mujeres y madres.”