A Las Vegas student will be the first in her family to graduate from college, thanks to local nonprofit Project 150.
Meet Melanie Azame.
When Melanie was three-years old, she and her mother immigrated to the United States from Argentina. Growing up, she was determined to change her family's future for the better.
"Education was a big thing in my family and it's a big value of mine," shares Melanie. "That's why I decided that after high school, no matter what, I wanted to continue my education through college."
Melanie's success is thanks, in part, to a Project 150 scholarship.
Project 150 is a nonprofit organization offering financial assistance to students, as well as free food and clothing. "They financially supported me all four years of university, and that allowed me to really focus on my education," said Melanie.
The program assists Nevada students with at least a 2.0 GPA pursue college, university or trade school.
"Just to provide the opportunity for students to go to school and not have to worry about their clothing, where they are going to get their school supplies or their food for their family or for themselves," said program manager, Senia Roybal. "This year, we're hoping to award over 100 students."
Melanie will be graduating from UNLV with a bachelor's degree in accounting. She will continue her studies to earn her master's degree, while also preparing for the CPA
"Don't choose to not go to university because of the finances," said Melanie. "There's scholarships out there that will help you, it just takes time looking for them. I know being a first gen, it's scary not knowing which one to trust or even applying, but just take a shot at it."
Learn more about Project 150 here!