One morning, Andrew Portillo, a Rubidoux High School 12th grader, woke up late for school and scrambled to get ready. In the middle of the chaos, he opened his laptop to check his emails and was shocked to see he was a 2025 Questbridge National College Match Scholarship recipient.
In a hurry to get to school, he had no time to celebrate this life-changing news. Now, the entire Jurupa Unified community is celebrating with him.
Andrew, the only Jurupa Unified student to earn one of the prestigious scholarships this year, was recently admitted to Boston University with a full four-year scholarship worth over $325,000. He is one of 278 QuestBridge recipients matched with Boston University, and one of 2,550 finalists nationwide.
“I was very happy to be considered a finalist. I was telling everyone I know. I was very excited. It was a great moment,” said Andrew about being a National College Match Scholarship recipient. “It feels great. It feels surreal to have gotten in. I get inspired and moved by the story, and I try to tell others as well (that) through my work I was able to do this… put in the work, and you can do the same.”
Andrew holds a 4.4 GPA, is enrolled in various Advanced Placement courses at Rubidoux High School, and takes classes through Riverside City College. Despite the difficult and time-consuming courses, Andrew is also actively involved in clubs and organizations. Andrew is an active member of Rubidoux’s Mathletes and National Honor Society chapters, as well as the Jesus Club, Journalism Club, French Club, and Spanish Club.
As a first-generation college student, Andrew will be majoring in engineering in the fall. Andrew’s interest in engineering was inspired in part by his AP Calculus class. The subject, the students, and the teacher created a supportive and engaging environment that Andrew loved every second of, he said. His AP classes brought him closer to students who are also passionate and want better for themselves.
QuestBridge National College Match has successfully connected over 19,000 students with full scholarships at some of the nation’s best colleges. Match Scholarship Recipients receive early admission, a full four-year scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s 55 college partners, a generous financial aid package to cover tuition, housing, food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
“This (scholarship) shows that even though we don't have the same privileges and resources that others may have, you can still work to get to a level where you can receive the same outcome,” said Andrew.
To be considered for a Match Scholarship, students must be high-achieving and plan to attend college in the fall after high school. Students typically rank in the top 5-10% of their classes, are first-generation in their families to attend a four-year college, and make meaningful contributions to their school or community. Family income is also considered.
Unlike many students, math is Andrew’s area of passion, and he enjoys sharing his gift with his peers and community through Mathletes and as a volunteer.
He has run booths at family math nights, and given up his Saturdays to help his guidance counselor, Ms. Leticia Mellin, at campuswide events. He has served the Lake Elsinore and Coachella Valley communities through the Youth Advisory Council.
“He is someone that you can always count on,” said Ms. Mellin. “His teachers wonder how Andrew has the time to be so involved and passionate about math and giving back to the community.”
When Andrew’s peers congratulate him on his accomplishment, Andrew shares his story with them to motivate them to apply as well.
“I grew up here, and I believe it shaped all my experiences and who I became. I believe I wouldn’t be a QuestBridge match recipient unless I grew up here,” said Andrew. “(Volunteering) is my way of thanking them for everything, for me.”
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Ms. Mellin worked with Andrew throughout the lengthy application process and is proud of his accomplishment and the precedent it sets for Rubidoux students.
“It is inspiring to see Andrew be selected because we need to share with the rest of the community, with the district, that hard work pays off,” said Ms. Mellin. “We do have an opportunity, and we should have hope. (This) is possible.”
“This scholarship opens the door for Andrew to pursue his passion, and as a community, we are proud of what he has accomplished,” said Jurupa Unified Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen. “Andrew reflects our JUSD team’s commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
According to QuestBridge, more finalists will become QuestBridge Scholars through QuestBridge Regular Decision or other admission rounds. All finalists who ultimately enroll in QuestBridge college partners join a community of over 35,000 QuestBridge Scholars and Alumni worldwide.
