COLLEGE 1ST TEAM
The College 1st TEAM
A free, creative culture.
A spirit of collaboration, creativity, and innovation is at the heart of the College 1st Team. Our culture is committed, flexible, mission-driven, and powered by purpose. Together, we inspire students to achieve what, in many cases, has never been achieved before in their families—to complete a postsecondary education.
Are you ready to unleash your potential?
COLLEGE 1ST TEAM EXPERIENCE 2025 VIDEO
Our Team
Empowering Students for College and Career Success
We are a team of leaders, creators, and mentors who share a vision of transforming education through energy, empathy, and excellence. Every team member contributes unique perspectives, professional expertise, and personal passion to a collective mission that is shaping the future for thousands of students across Texas.
Melanie De La Garza
Rice University
Vianca Andrade
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Ivan Hernandez
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Nicole Gonzalez
Rice University
Adamari Morin
Texas A&M University
Abigail Avila
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Danilee Alaniz
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Angela Amador
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Ramon Perez
South Texas College
Victoria Martinez
Texas Tech University
Camila Mascorro
University of Texas at Austin
Ivan Aguillon
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Marco Mascorro
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Kaylee Delgado
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
From College 1st Team Members to Career Professionals
College 1st Team members have advanced into careers with leading organizations including:
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SpaceX
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Intel
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Toyota
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Samsung
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Texas Instruments
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Halliburton
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Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
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Federal and State Agencies
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School Districts
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Engineering and Architecture Firms
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Law Enforcement Agencies
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Financial Institutions
Others have accumulated relevant professional experience to earn admission into highly competitive medical, law, dental, residency, and graduate university programs, including:
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University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
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Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin
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JPS Health Network
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UTRGV Medical School
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UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
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Baylor University
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Texas Christian University
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New York University
...and many others nationwide.
VictoriaLorain Martinez
Texas Tech Architecture Student
From attending a College 1st CAMP as a GEAR UP student, to mentoring as a College 1st Mentor, to becoming an Architecture Student at Texas Tech University.
Raul Diaz De Leon
South Texas System Medical Doctor
From inspiring students about medical professions as a College 1st Mentor, to completing medical school and becoming a Family Medicine doctor, and now serving at South Texas Health System.
Mark Flores
Space X Starship Build Engineer
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From inspiring students to become the next generation of engineers and space explorers as a College 1st Mentor, to becoming a SpaceX engineer himself, now working on Starship rockets.
Veronica S. Treviño
Driscoll Children's Hospital Medical Doctor
From sparking students' interest in medical careers as a College 1st Mentor, to completing medical school and becoming a pediatrician now serving at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Kimberly Chacon
Space X Human Resources Team
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From launching rockets with students at the College 1st Space Exploration CAMPs, to working with the SpaceX Human Resources Team.
Gaby Diaz De Leon
Vanguard Academy Elementary Teacher
From working with students at College 1st CAMPs to becoming a Vanguard Academy Elementary Teacher.
Alejandra Alvarado
JPS Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology
From inspiring students interest for a post-secondary education at College 1st CAMPs to becoming a Medical Doctor, now starting her residency at JPS in Fort Worth, in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Internship Experience
Advancing in your career
This internship is designed for students seeking meaningful, career-relevant experience in their field of study. You’ll strengthen your professional skills, grow as a professional and leader, and gain the confidence to facilitate engaging, hands-on learning and academic enrichment experiences for students.
The College 1st
CREATIVE TEAM
Professionals in Media and Communications
We are also seeking talented students to join the College 1st Creative Media Team— storytellers who capture the magic of our CAMP experiences.
Creative Media Team members help document and share student impact through:
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Photography and videography
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Social media storytelling
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Feature articles and digital publications
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Video production and highlight reels
Our Creative Team uses the latest visual arts technology including Adobe Suite and generative AI tools to amplify student voices, celebrate success stories, and share the transformative impact of the College 1st Program with communities across Texas.
"This isn't just another job, it's your chance to change someone's future."
Be the mentor you once needed.
College 1st Team Experience 2023
College 1st Team Experience 2023
Are You Ready to Become a College 1st Mentor?
If you’re ready to make an impact, grow your professional skills, and be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team, we invite you to join the College 1st Team!
"Your story could be the reason a student believes in their future."
Mentor. Motivate. Make a difference!