Student Stories

Amanda

When my parents first came to America, my mom’s biggest hope for me was that I would become a hairdresser; she never imagined that I would one day become an engineer. However, (HS)2 opened my opportunities. Now, I work on the Mars Rover team at CalTech.

My current research studies the cyclic behavior of granular materials (particulates such as sand, rice, and snow) to determine surface stability and avoid catastrophic collapse. This is important to prevent situations like when the Spirit Mars Opportunity Rover got stuck in a sand trap on Mars. By studying the physics of what happens between sand grains as a wheel traverses over them, I use my experiments to create predictive models for granular material stability. Next, I plan to become a university professor to use my background to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today if not for my experience at my Squared program. I come from a low-income family with limited education, so I never thought attending a four-year university would be possible. However, (HS)2 completely altered my trajectory by giving me three amazing summers surrounded by other students like me who had a vision but had no means of unlocking that potential.

California Institute of Technology
PhD in Space Engineering
M.S. in Space Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
B.S. in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

(HS)2 Program Graduate (‘16)

Alex

If there were one word I could use to describe my Squared program, it would be ‘transformative.’

For me, affordability was the most important part. There were many prior programs that I was disqualified from due to my lack of funding. The (HS)2 program eliminated the cost filter, providing transportation, food, and housing for each participant, which resulted in a more diverse class and included those from single-parent households and all corners of the U.S.

It was eye-opening. In contrast to the rough neighborhood I grew up in, the Squared program took place in a safe and loving environment where I could focus on my studies and my teachers respected me. I felt like I was given the freedom to explore who I wanted to be through rigorous courses like biology, calculus, and chemistry, and the incredible extracurricular activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and music.

During my PhD program, I was immersed in groundbreaking research in topics like low power wireless radios, mircorobotics and localization. Now, I am the CEO and co-founder of a Stealth Startup with the vision to revolutionize how the Internet of Things functions, aiming for a future that's smarter, more efficient, and more accessible.

University of California, Berkeley
PhD in Electrical Engineering and CS
M.S. in Electrical Engineering and CS

The University of Texas at Dallas
B.S. in Electrical Engineering

(HS)2 Program Graduate (‘12)

Sabrina

University of Houston College of Medicine

Texas Christian University
B.S. in Biology, Magna Cum Laude

(HS)2 Program Graduate (‘18)

I am a first-generation high school and college graduate who has always dreamed of becoming a physician. Whether I was 5 and on the playground or 18 and graduating, I knew becoming a doctor was my passion and my calling.

I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas in a single-parent household with my mom and 4 siblings. We survived off of Section 8, EBT food stamps, SNAP, and WIC. This was sufficient until the summer of 8th grade, when we were evicted from my beloved childhood home. While transitioning between homeless shelters, I vowed to chase my dreams.

I say all this not to rehash dark moments in my life, but rather to reflect and remain gracious for all the blessings gifted to me through my hard work and dedication.

I owe the utmost thanks to the (HS)2 program. Without (HS)2 , I would have never prepared myself for higher education. I was equipped with the tools and mindset to reach my goals no matter my background, and the people and environment at (HS)2 made me believe this.

After my Squared program, I attended Texas Christian University with a full academic STEM scholarship. I majored in Biology and earned Magna Cum Laude. Next, I was accepted into medical school at Tilman J. Fertittia Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston.

I am currently in medical school and loving every second of it. I work and do research in the field of cardiology, and I am training to become an interventional cardiologist. I hope one day to repay the good that was done for me.

  • Jourdan

    MPH from University of Texas
    B.A. from Rice University
    (HS)2 program alum

    “Now, ten years after first stepping foot on campus for [HS]2, I still consider my experience in the program as a major factor that led me down the path I am on today.

    As a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, I have been part of a team conducting a large, nationwide study of prostate cancer.“

  • Rylan

    Current student
    Kent School Program


    “I am interested in a career that combines math, science, and aerospace. My dream is to fly and engineer planes.

    At Squared, I’m already learning how to be a leader.”

  • Ally

    Current student
    Kent School Program


    “Squared has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and challenged me in classes.

    I was able to become independent and experience what college life will be like. It prepared me for my future.”

  • Fernando

    B.A. from Columbia University in Computer Science
    (HS)2 program alum


    “During my time in college, I enrolled in the Intelligent Systems track, studying topics centered around artificial intelligence and machine learning. Now I am a leader on AT&T’s technical team.

    I consider (HS)2 to be one, if not the most, fundamental program that really helped me be a better person than who I previously was.”