We would like to introduce Agustin Barajas, the latest ScholarMatch scholar who has reached his funding goal! We at ScholarMatch have been amazed by the generosity from all of our donors, and with Agustin it is no different. Because of the support pledged by multiple donors, Agustin can now pursue his intended major in ethnic studies and eventually become the professor he has always wanted to be. Upon hearing of his funding, Agustin tells us, "Thank you! This scholarship is an opportunity of great value to me. It opens doors not only for myself but for other youth who aspire for a better education."

A recent graduate of Unity High School in Oakland, Agustin has spent much of his time working with youth and advocating for the importance of art in the schools as well as art in the community. He believes that it is possible to unify a society through visual imagery, and his own art reflects the importance of histories not often told. Agustin’s involvement with such cultural organizations as La Raza and Visual Element has helped him to discover his true passion as an activist as well as an artist.

"Agustin is one of the most talented artists I have seen," Unity High English instructor, Nicole Moore says, "wielding both a paint brush and an aerosol can as though they were natural extensions of his hands." Agustin has plans to bring his art to communities who are facing socioeconomic inequalities.

Thanks to his donors, Agustin will now be one step closer to fulfilling all his incredibly unique goals. Come fall of 2010, Agustin will be a part of CSU East Bay’s freshman class.

Way to go, Agustin!