Inspired By a Neighbor: The Aspiraciones Mas Grandes Scholarship

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Rose and Travis Collins both grew up in Newton County and later, settled down in nearby in Rockdale County. As they raised their children, they got to know a family in the neighborhood who had immigrated from Mexico. Rose and Travis were struck by how hard the teen daughter worked to do well in school so she could be the first in her family to go to college. That neighbor inspired them to create a scholarship that provides recognition and assistance to aspiring first generation Latino college students. They called the award Aspiraciones Mas Grande — Bigger Aspirations.

The Collins family started by funding full four-year scholarships at Wake Forest University where their sons attended college. They then expanded the award to include graduating seniors from Rockdale County and most recently, added a scholarship for students graduating from Newton County Schools. Currently, Newton Education Foundation administers the Collins Family Scholarship which provides three $3,000 awards to graduating seniors.