Glendale Student Heads to Stanford and Helps Fellow Students Pursue Their Dreams
A bright future begins with a solid education. Jada Finesilver, a senior graduating from Glendale High School on May 23, is proving how positive high school experiences can set the stage for a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Jada took a coding foundations class during her senior year of high school that cemented her plans to study computer science. This fall, she’ll travel more than 700 miles to Palo Alto, California, to attend Stanford University. After she graduates from Stanford, she hopes to become a cybersecurity engineer.
A big resource to Jada was a program called College Knowing & Going that helps high school students like Jada to further their education. The CKG program uses a student-centered approach to create college readiness at 40 high schools in underserved communities throughout the state.
It works to create a school-wide culture in which all stakeholders – administration, counselors, teachers, community members, students, and families – work collaboratively to ensure that underserved Arizona students like Jada not only graduate from high school but also attend (and graduate from) college.
As a CKG Student Ambassador for Glendale High School, Jada received invaluable resources and support, guiding her through the intricacies of college applications, financial aid (including FAFSA), and scholarships. Jada’s active engagement as a CKG Student Ambassador allowed her to share her experiences as a keynote speaker in various classes, inspiring her fellow underclassmen to chase their dreams beyond high school.
Jada’s dedication to her studies and personal growth has been evident throughout her time in the CKG program. Quarterly meetings with her CKG coordinator, Desirae Rocha, provided her with one-on-one guidance, ensuring she stayed on track to achieve her goals.
“Jada has been a joy to work with. Her dedication and commitment to her studies were evident from the first day we connected in person. Jada showcased her passion and executed her goals with grace. She is all deserving of her accolades.”
Jada’s unwavering determination and successful completion of the CKG Program milestones have culminated in a well-deserved achievement: a $2,000 scholarship to Stanford University. She is also a QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, receiving a full four-year scholarship.
“Jada’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the College Knowing & Going program in empowering students to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams,” said Rocha. “Congrats, Jada!”