Celebrating Five TeenSHARP QuestBridge National College Match Finalists By Sara Llansa Petty, Senior Director of Pre-College Programs & Learning
This fall, five remarkable TeenSHARP seniors from Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas were named finalists in the 2026 QuestBridge National College Match, joining just 7,526 students nationwide. QuestBridge recognizes high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated exceptional academic promise, leadership, and determination. Nationwide, 81% of this year’s finalists are on track to be among the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college in the United States.
Having worked individually with each of these students, I know that their accomplishments cannot be captured by a transcript or résumé alone. What stands out is their willingness to ask difficult questions, pursue opportunities that do not come easily, and use what they learn to serve others.
Abdullah Aljaberi (Delaware) embodies the spirit of a researcher and entrepreneur. Driven by an interest in clean energy, he built relationships that led to work at a hydrogen research center, where he contributed to an accessible safety certification project for technical high schools. His story also reflects a growing pride in his Hadhrami heritage and a commitment to opening doors for students who may not yet know those doors exist.
Alexia Mena (New York City) brings together scientific inquiry and community-minded initiative. She has researched topics in neuroscience and health, including Alzheimer’s disease, while founding a club that organizes support for women and children in shelters. She is equally comfortable investigating complex questions and turning her ideas into practical action.
Evelyn Gonzalez (New York City) reminds me that intellectual curiosity often begins with a simple question. After wondering about the history behind Cinco de Mayo, she independently researched Mexican history and created a presentation to share what she learned with her parents. A thoughtful writer and environmental advocate, Evelyn also sees her bilingualism not as something to set aside, but as a powerful connection to family, culture, and community.
Matias Merino (Pennsylvania) has transformed his own experience immigrating from Ecuador into leadership and advocacy for others. In Philadelphia, he founded an immigrant youth committee, organized civic engagement efforts, and helped connect young people with resources and opportunities. His example shows that leadership is not merely holding a title; it is choosing to make your voice heard on behalf of others.
Xochitl Garcia (Texas) is a perceptive writer and artist whose reflections on identity reveal unusual depth and self-awareness. Her interests span visual storytelling, advocacy, and medicine, with a particular aspiration to become a reconstructive surgeon. Through mentoring, service, and hands-on medical learning, she continues to connect empathy with ambition.
Although their interests and experiences differ, all five share a strong sense of self, an appetite for challenge, and a desire to make an impact beyond themselves. Becoming QuestBridge finalists is a meaningful milestone, but it is only one chapter in their stories. We are incredibly proud of Abdullah, Alexia, Evelyn, Matias, and Xochitl, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.
