A Scholarship Story Worth Sharing
Bryan Chel Lara’s junior year at Gonzaga University included rigorous accounting coursework, campus leadership, two work-study jobs, peer mentorship, and Dean’s List honors both semesters. His $7,500 Believe in Me Scholarship helps protect the momentum he has built.
In his application story, Bryan wrote, “The Believe in Me Scholarship helped make my education possible and allowed me to pursue these opportunities. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.”
Hear Bryan Chel Lara Tell Their Story
What This Scholarship Helps Make Possible
Award: $7,500
School: Gonzaga University
Recorded cost of attendance: $69,707
Scholarship support helps students protect time for learning, reduce financial pressure, and stay connected to their education goals.
In Their Own Words
“The Believe in Me Scholarship helped make my education possible and allowed me to pursue these opportunities. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.”
Bryan Chel Lara’s junior year at Gonzaga University included rigorous accounting coursework, campus leadership, two work-study jobs, peer mentorship, and Dean’s List honors both semesters. His $7,500 Believe in Me Scholarship helps protect the momentum he has built.
In his application story, Bryan wrote, “The Believe in Me Scholarship helped make my education possible and allowed me to pursue these opportunities. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.”
Building Toward a Career in Finance
Bryan is studying at Gonzaga University’s School of Business. He described Intermediate Accounting I and II as two of the most difficult courses in the program, and he completed both while earning Dean’s List honors.
Outside the classroom, Bryan served on executive boards for professional student organizations and worked two work-study jobs. As a BRIDGE Peer Mentor, he mentored three students and helped them navigate academics, campus involvement, and personal challenges.
Bryan also received internship offers in accounting and finance. Because his long-term goal is a career in advisory and wealth management, he accepted a summer internship with Brighton Jones in Seattle.
Supporting First-Generation Students
Bryan identifies as a first-generation college student. Research and policy organizations continue to show that first-generation students often bring strong motivation and leadership to college while navigating financial, informational, and belonging-related barriers that can affect persistence. The Postsecondary National Policy Institute’s 2026 fact sheet summarizes national context on first-generation students in higher education PNPI, First-Generation Students in Higher Education.
Bryan’s story illustrates that context without reducing him to barriers. He is leading, mentoring, earning professional opportunities, and preparing for a career where he can help others make thoughtful financial decisions.
A Scholarship That Keeps Opportunity Within Reach
Bryan’s scholarship record lists a cost of attendance of $69,707. Scholarship support can help close the gap between a student’s effort and the resources required to pursue opportunity.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center has reported that poverty level remains closely associated with postsecondary outcomes, meaning financial barriers can shape whether students enroll, persist, and complete National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
For Bryan, scholarship support helped make it possible to return to Gonzaga and pursue the opportunities he had earned.
How You Can Help More Students Like Bryan
Bryan’s story shows what can happen when talent and determination are met with community investment. Donors help turn financial uncertainty into educational continuity. Volunteers add encouragement, expertise, and connection.
FAQ
Where is Bryan Chel Lara studying?
Bryan is studying at Gonzaga University.
What is Bryan preparing to do professionally?
Bryan’s long-term goal is a career in advisory and wealth management. He accepted a summer internship with Brighton Jones in Seattle.
How much scholarship support did Bryan receive?
Bryan received a $7,500 Believe in Me Scholarship for the 2026 scholarship cycle.
References
- Believe in Me. “Believe in Me Scholarship Program.” Current eligibility and scholarship program details. https://www.believeinme.org/scholarships
- Believe in Me Salesforce scholarship records. “2026 Scholarships – Scholarship Application – Bryan Chel Lara.” Reviewed September 2026.
- Postsecondary National Policy Institute. “First-Generation Students in Higher Education.” January 2026. https://pnpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PNPI_FirstGenStudents_FactSheet_Jan26.pdf
- National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “Poverty Level Remains Driving Factor in Postsecondary Outcomes.” September 21, 2026. https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/nscblog/poverty-level-remains-driving-factor-in-postsecondary-outcomes/
