“The scholarship opened up many doors for me because not having to juggle a job allowed me to pursue internships and all these activities that I really wanted,” recalled Hong Yu Chen, a ScholarMatch alum in UC Berkeley’s class of 2024.

Hong immigrated from China to San Francisco with his family when he was just three years old. Hong’s parents worked tirelessly to provide him with a good life, inspiring him to work even harder in school. Excelling in math and science, Hong secured an internship at JBEI, a bioenergy institute in Emeryville, CA, in his junior year of high school. “It was pretty cool to see how actual scientists operate,” Hong reflected.

The Crucial Role of Personalized Guidance and Internships

High school internships can be game-changers for first-generation students, offering real-world experience that boosts self-confidence, communication skills, and technical know-how. According to a study cited by American Student Assistance, 52% of high school interns confirmed their career interests through internships, while 14% discovered new career paths. For Hong, the internship at JBEI was the start of an exciting journey toward bioengineering.

However, in such a competitive field, Hong knew that strong academics alone wouldn’t be enough. He needed help navigating the complex college application process. “I excel in math and science, but essay writing is not one of my strongest suits,” he admitted, so a friend recommended ScholarMatch.

Thanks to ScholarMatch’s holistic approach of matching students with college coaches and offering extensive online resources, the program became more than a place for essay help. Through the Destined for College program, Hong received support with all things college admissions-related, including financial aid applications and scholarship research. “My advisor at the time helped me read a financial aid report and understand what I would actually have to pay, including things that might not be in the estimated cost,” he said.

Choosing the Right College: Staying Local or Venturing Far Away

When the time came to choose a college, Hong relied on the support of his ScholarMatch college coach to help him weigh his options. He also applied to ScholarMatch’s Scholars Program and was awarded a four-year scholarship that helped him cover tuition and other school-related expenses throughout his college journey. While in the program, Hong continued to receive one-on-one support from a college advisor and was matched with a career coach who helped him align his academic options with his career goals.

Despite all the support, Hong still faced a tough decision regarding location. He was accepted into schools on the East Coast but ultimately chose UC Berkeley due to its proximity to home. “It wasn’t just about academics,” Hong explained, “I like being close to family, especially since some of them have medical issues.”

Staying near home can have its benefits. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, most undergraduate students in the U.S. remain within 17 miles of home, allowing them to stay connected to friends and maintain their support networks.

Financial & Housing Challenges in College

Navigating college is more than just picking a school — one must also figure out how to pay for it and where to live. ScholarMatch coaches also help scholars figure out housing options. Hong’s coach helped him review his financial aid package, ensuring he understood the costs, from tuition to living expenses. “The introduction to EBT and the scholarship package took an extra burden off me,” Hong shared. This financial support allowed Hong to fully focus on his studies and pursue multiple prestigious internships.

At UC Berkeley, housing options are limited, and with the surrounding housing market being notoriously competitive, Hong’s options were scarce. “It was overwhelming because I would see all these listings and go to all these open houses, but they would always lead to a dead end, or the price was too much, or the landlord was sketchy,” Hong recalled.

Despite the soaring housing market costs in the UC Berkeley area, finding affordable student housing has become an issue across the country. According to a 2021 survey by The Hope Center, nearly one in seven students experienced homelessness during the pandemic. That’s why organizations like ScholarMatch are crucial in filling the gaps and connecting students to services that are often overlooked but critical for succeeding in school, such as financial aid that can be used toward housing needs.

Gaining Real-World Experience Through Internships

Even as Hong thrived academically at UC Berkeley, he knew that practical experience would be crucial in achieving his career goals. Through ScholarMatch’s Scholars Program, Hong got matched to a career coach who had extensive experience in the biotech sector. She helped him with resume-building and interview skills while also offering invaluable guidance for navigating the professional world. “I was lucky to have an internship every summer to gain experience during the school year. I feel like a lot of that, I owe it to her mentorship,” said Hong, filled with gratitude and inspiration.

Looking Ahead: Mentorship and a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics

Hong is now a research associate at Stanford University, surrounded by driven colleagues who inspire him to excel even further. “I’m pretty fortunate to work at such a great institute with all these smart people around,” he added.

Looking ahead, Hong hopes to support first-generation students like him by sharing his journey and experience. He understands the value of mentorship and hopes to pay it forward by providing the same guidance and support he received through the ScholarMatch program. He also aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, though he remains open to where his path might lead him.

Meet Hong Yu Chen at Scholar Voices

You can join us on February 27 at our Scholar Voices student panel to hear directly from our alumni, Hong Yu Chen and Esau Veliz, about the power of scholarships and mentorship. The panel will also feature ScholarMatch career coach Priya Rajamani, who supported Hong throughout his college journey. Register here.

Learn more about our work and other ways to get involved at www.scholarmatch.org.

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