Who We Serve
Fellow Stories
Meet Adrian Torres
Adrian is a Catalyst Maria High School graduate and first-generation college student now studying Accounting and Information Systems at Cal State Fullerton. With support from UtmostU, he learned how to navigate financial aid, manage his time, and advocate for himself in new college environments. His story shows the power of long-term coaching and encouragement, especially for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Meet Adrian Torres
Adrian is a Catalyst Maria High School graduate and first-generation college student now studying Accounting and Information Systems at Cal State Fullerton. With support from UtmostU, he learned how to navigate financial aid, manage his time, and advocate for himself in new college environments. His story shows the power of long-term coaching and encouragement, especially for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Miracle
Miracle is an active UtmostU fellow who earned her associate degree from City Colleges of Chicago and is now pursuing her bachelor’s at Governors State University. With support from her coach, Miracle has stayed highly engaged in UtmostU programs like Ideal Candidate! “My coach is Jasmine. She is the best thing UtmostU has ever given me. She helps sort through all my things with school and finding internships that can help me with my career path.”
Devinn
Devinn is an UtmostU fellow who graduated from City Colleges of Chicago in May 2025 and is now enrolled at Governors State University to earn his bachelor’s degree. With guidance from his coach, he has stayed connected to UtmostU resources, including taking advantage of the T-Mobile phone plan, to support his studies and goals. “UtmostU put me in a position where I could excel, as far as [my] education, financial situation, and emotional situation. My coach helps me so much.”
Jada
Jada is an UtmostU alum and former intern who stayed active with her coach during her time in UtmostU. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Public Relations in December 2023. “What I’ve learned along the way is that resources are always there. It was a matter of getting connected to them and having someone say, ‘you belong there’. For me, that was UtmostU.” Hear more about Jada’s journey HERE
Alex
Alex attends the University of Illinois Chicago, where he studies Criminology, Law, and Justice and plans to apply to law school after graduating in May 2026. He is involved in the Urban Public Policy Fellowship and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, gaining experience that supports his long-term goals in public service and law. Alex interned with UtmostU in the summer of 2024 at the recommendation of his UtmostU coach through Green Halo Scholars. Reflecting on his work, his UtmostU supervisor shared, “Alex was an outstanding intern with UtmostU this summer, consistently demonstrating a genuine passion for helping others and an eagerness to learn.” Alex continues to stay engaged with UtmostU as he works toward his future in law and advocacy.
Laniah
Laniah attends Hope College in Michigan, where she is studying Psychology. Laniah is using her roles as a Resident Assistant and President of the Black Student Union to continue developing and expanding her leadership and advocacy skills. She interned with UtmostU during the summer of 2024, an experience she described as eye-opening and inspiring. “Throughout the experience, I gained valuable knowledge while genuinely enjoying the process. This opportunity came at the perfect time, and it is one I will never forget.” Laniah is set to graduate in the spring of 2026 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
Jada
Jada is an UtmostU alum and former intern who stayed active with her coach during her time in UtmostU. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Public Relations in December 2023. “What I’ve learned along the way is that resources are always there. It was a matter of getting connected to them and having someone say, ‘you belong there’. For me, that was UtmostU.” Hear more about Jada’s journey HERE
Miracle
Miracle is an active UtmostU fellow who earned her associate degree from City Colleges of Chicago and is now pursuing her bachelor’s at Governors State University. With support from her coach, Miracle has stayed highly engaged in UtmostU programs like Ideal Candidate! “My coach is Jasmine. She is the best thing UtmostU has ever given me. She helps sort through all my things with school and finding internships that can help me with my career path.”
Devinn
Devinn is an UtmostU fellow who graduated from City Colleges of Chicago in May 2025 and is now enrolled at Governors State University to earn his bachelor’s degree. With guidance from his coach, he has stayed connected to UtmostU resources, including taking advantage of the T-Mobile phone plan, to support his studies and goals. “UtmostU put me in a position where I could excel, as far as [my] education, financial situation, and emotional situation. My coach helps me so much.”
Alex
Alex attends the University of Illinois Chicago, where he studies Criminology, Law, and Justice and plans to apply to law school after graduating in May 2026. He is involved in the Urban Public Policy Fellowship and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, gaining experience that supports his long-term goals in public service and law. Alex interned with UtmostU in the summer of 2024 at the recommendation of his UtmostU coach through Green Halo Scholars. Reflecting on his work, his UtmostU supervisor shared, “Alex was an outstanding intern with UtmostU this summer, consistently demonstrating a genuine passion for helping others and an eagerness to learn.” Alex continues to stay engaged with UtmostU as he works toward his future in law and advocacy.
Laniah
Laniah attends Hope College in Michigan, where she is studying Psychology. Laniah is using her roles as a Resident Assistant and President of the Black Student Union to continue developing and expanding her leadership and advocacy skills. She interned with UtmostU during the summer of 2024, an experience she described as eye-opening and inspiring. “Throughout the experience, I gained valuable knowledge while genuinely enjoying the process. This opportunity came at the perfect time, and it is one I will never forget.” Laniah is set to graduate in the spring of 2026 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
Where Our Fellows Attend
Our fellows are all over the country in colleges, universities, and certificate programs. Check out the interactive map to see the different institutions!
Northern Illinois University Mix & Mingle, Sept. 2025
Where Our Fellows Attend
Our fellows are all over the country in colleges, universities, and certificate programs. Check out the interactive map to see the different institutions!
Northern Illinois University Mix & Mingle, Sept. 2025
The Village That Supports Our Fellows
Meet Catalyst Maria High School
Located in Chicago’s Chicago Lawn neighborhood, Catalyst Maria is a K–12 charter school dedicated to academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and post-secondary success. As UtmostU’s first and longest-standing school partner, Catalyst Maria has helped shape how we support fellows beyond graduation.
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Meet Catalyst Maria High School
Located in Chicago’s Chicago Lawn neighborhood, Catalyst Maria is a K–12 charter school dedicated to academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and post-secondary success. As UtmostU’s first and longest-standing school partner, Catalyst Maria has helped shape how we support fellows beyond graduation.
