The Rosales Sisters' Scholarship (RSS) began in 2019 with the six daughters of Abel and Maria Rosales, two immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico. Abel and Maria raised their daughters to believe in hard work, family, and tradition. 
 
Abel, the eldest of sixteen siblings, and Maria, the eldest of thirteen, believed their six daughters' opportunities were endless because of their first-generation status. While Abel and Maria navigated their immigrant experience in Watsonville, California, they focused their efforts on understanding the American education system while also trying to understand their legal status, the politics of which were often in flux.
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As first-generation college students, the Rosales Sisters intimately understand the challenges of higher education. Their resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. They recognize that education, a powerful force for change, was made possible because of the tireless efforts of their parents, teachers, and high school counselors, who insisted that college was attainable. 
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Since 2019, RSS has awarded over $100,000 in unrestricted college funds.  Along with this financial support, RSS has initiated a pilot program at Tennyson High School in Hayward, CA, focusing on the crucial aspect of financial literacy. RSS understands that it's not just about having funds for college but also about understanding how money works, a knowledge gap that can burden the Latinx community. The goal is to expand the financial literacy program and to continue awarding scholarships to deserving students. 
 
Joining RSS to support first-generation and immigrant students can significantly impact college-bound students' lives. Your support can be the turning point in their journey towards higher education, making a tangible difference in their futures.