Student ID Number39801
NameJoanna Reyes
What is your GPA3.7
What high school do you attend? (CHS or CSHS)CHS
Where have you applied for further education?

Boise State University - Boise, Idaho
The Oregon Institute of Technology - Klamath Falls, Oregon

What is your inteded major/speciality?Construction Management
In 200 words or less please explain why you are choosing this major/specialty

I chose Construction Management due to my dad introducing me into the construction world through his construction business at a young age and grew up working for his business. It was his clients who made me realize how much meaning his work holds, every client would always tell me how much they appreciated my father's work. Therefore, his dedication inspired me to pursue a career where I could continue to make a meaningful impact through managing successful projects that are safe and sustainable for communities. With the goal to continue the appreciation and dedication my father has started within his own business but with further education and bigger goals.

1. What are your educational goals? Specifically list your planned major and minor courses of study. What do you plan to do with your education?

I plan to attend Boise State University, where I will major in construction management. My minor is still undecided though I'm interested in business administration or communications. With my time at Boise State I want to get involved in different clubs and opportunities to continue to improve my leadership skills and help out my community still. After I receive my bachelor's degree I plan to become a project manager with my education and work my way up to higher management positions. Once I gain enough experience through the field I then plan to build my construction business and continue to set higher goals for myself.

What extracurricular activities or events have you participated in during high school?

Caldwell High School Girls Soccer
Fall 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025

TRIO Upward Bound
August 2024 - Present

Rising Voices
August 2024 - Present

Track & Field
Spring 2025

National Honor Society
April 2025 - Present

Latinos In Action
August 2025 - Present

9th Young Women In Leadership Conference Planning Committee
August 2025 - Present

Sports Mentoring
August 2025 - Present

3. What is the most impactful experience that you have had as a participant in TRIO Upward Bound?

The most impactful experience I have had as a participant in TRIO Upward Bound was The most impactful experience I have had as a participant in TRIO Upward Bound was definitely attending the summer program in 2025 at Boise State University. Through this program I was able to experience a college-like experience, help out my community, and meet new people. Having the opportunity to live on campus reassured my fear that I can be away from home even if it's a half hour away and made me want to live on campus. As well as having the opportunity to have an internship allowed me to realize that it is possible for a first-gen student to further their education and that I am capable of completing more than just my high school diploma. Then, with all the activities we were given like creating a college fair for elementary kids made me realize how impactful my actions can be towards my community and how I myself can continue to motivate others to further their education.

Other than financial, what is the biggest obstacle you face to completing college? What resources will you utilize to help you overcome this obstacle?

Other than financial issues, the biggest obstacle I have faced to complete college is not having support and resources in order to even apply to a college. I knew I wanted to go to college after high school but while attending Elevate Academy they mostly spoke on trades and how to start working straight after high school so I never received any type of support for college there until I returned to Caldwell High. That's where I decided to attempt to join TRIO Upward Bound, which I got in! Before joining TRIO Upward Bound I didn’t know what FAFSA was or scholarships besides knowing that scholarships allowed my brother to go to college. Therefore, TRIO now gives me that support I've been missing and introduces me to lots of resources. I plan to continue to utilize their support in order to overcome this obstacle.

5. What will it mean to you to be the recipient of The Opportunity Fund?

Receiving The Opportunity Fund would be an honor and special moment in my life. It would not only provide financial support but also allow me to put my full focus on my education, bringing me closer to my goals to pursue my education and career. Also enabling me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities without having to constantly worry about financial issues.

6. To what organizations or events have you offered service during high school? What was the most rewarding volunteer experience that you have had, and why?

Academic Tutoring at Heritage Community Charter School
5 hours

Girls On The Run
5 hours

Whitney Elementary College Carnival
10 hours

Friendship Feast
4 hours

Idaho Veteran’s Garden Caldwell
3 hours

Book and a Bite
3 hours

Rake Up Caldwell
3 hours

The Lions Club Concessions
3 hours

Salvation Army Thanksgiving Distribution
2 hours

Caldwell Turkey Trot
5 hours

The most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve had was with Girls on the Run. Through this program not only did I have the opportunity to train girls to run a 3k but also teach them how to maintain a positive mindset. This program's goal to include such positive ideas at such a young age is definitely inspiring considering my own personal past. I definitely believe being able to have that impact on girls led to an impact on myself as well, giving me the realization that I myself can be that missing piece that I was once missing at their young age.

7. How do you plan to fund your post-secondary education? If you have worked during high school describe what you have done.

I have prepared to fund my post-secondary education through various ways. I have worked with my dad for his construction business on the weekends since I was around seven, worked with my brother for his landscaping business the past two summers, and started working at In N Out since May 2025 and recently began to work with my dad after school as well on my days off. I have also completed my FAFSA form and continue to apply for scholarships such as CFEO scholarships and Boise State scholarships based ones as well.