“Obtaining a college education has always been a privilege that I could have only dreamed of. Graduate school, was something impossible and so out of reach. Hope Ignites Colorado made it easier for me to believe I could be educated like everyone else. They provided the opportunities for me to create experiences that have reinforced my interest and to pursue my dreams.”
“I feel part of something great, something in which I can pitch my ideas
and have them work together with the ideas of others,” said Hope Ignites Colorado collegian, Aline
A Glimpse into Aline: A Hope Ignites Colorado QuestBridge Scholar
When Aline received her QuestBridge scholarship in 2024, she felt an overwhelming sense of hope. “QuestBridge is the reason I am at Smith College today, and Hope Ignites Colorado provided me with that opportunity.” Aline, a 2024 graduate of Regis Jesuit High School, is now a sophomore at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She is pursuing degrees in Engineering and Spanish, with aspirations of becoming an energy engineer. Her drive and determination have opened numerous doors, allowing her to intern and research real-world scenarios in her field.
During her freshman year, she worked in the geotechnical lab, focusing on soil specimen research. This past summer, she interned at Hercules Industries, where she contributed to the duct-estimating team and gained proficiency in programs such as Excel and CAD software. As a sophomore, Aline is currently engaged in the electrical engineering lab, concentrating on sustainable energy.
Additionally, she recently applied for and was accepted into the Merge Campus Visit Program for the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which will cover travel and expenses for exploring graduate school opportunities. “Grad school was not even on my radar, but now that I’ve been accepted into this program, I want to make the most of it.”
Alongside her academic achievements, she has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and continues to receive the Hope Ignites Colorado scholarship. Aline is also actively involved in various campus organizations, including the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and the skateboard club. She serves as the treasurer for the QuestBridge Chapter and is working to revive the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) organization at Smith College.
It’s All In The Family
Aline’s younger sister, Julie, a 2025 Regis Jesuit High School graduate, is also part of the Hope Ignites Colorado family. Julie is attending Boston College and studying psychology. “I’m very proud of my little sister. I hope she knows that she is amazing and deserves all she has because of her hard work,” Aline stated.
