In a journey marked by unwavering commitment to excellence, 2024 Downey High School graduate, Ximena Solorzano, has been awarded the highly coveted Gates Scholarship. Granted to 750 students nationwide out of over 50,000 applicants, the award will cover the entirety of Ximena’s undergraduate expenses at Yale University, where she plans to major in political science and global affairs, this fall.

A first-generation, college-bound graduate and daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, Ximena’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments are a testament to her determination and her family’s belief in her bright future. Graduating with a state weighted GPA of 4.6, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to excel, even while juggling rigorous academics, various extracurricular interests and a part-time job.

Downey High School Principal Tom Houts expressed pride in Ximena’s accomplishments, stating, “We are all extremely impressed with her and can’t wait to see what her future holds.”

From serving as the editor-in-chief of the Downey Legend newspaper to being the president of the Eco Club and the Downey KIWIN’S Chapter, Chair of the Downey Youth Commission, member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, and earning a spot in the state and national SkillsUSA competitions, Ximena’s focus and passion for leadership has helped her make a positive impact within her community while positioning her as an excellent candidate for this very sought after scholarship.

Ximena began the Gates Scholarship application process last September. After receiving notice of reaching the final stage, and following the interview of 1,500 finalists, Ximena received the news she and her family had long been waiting for—she was selected and would be receiving a full ride to college.

Reflecting on her journey, Ximena shared the pivotal moment when she learned about becoming a Gates Scholar. “In April, I received the email as I was returning from a Yale incoming student event in Santa Monica. I immediately shared a screenshot with my mom, who called me, crying with joy. I was in disbelief. An hour later, I was clocking in at work at Boba Time, trying to process the life-changing news.”

From a young age, Ximena was inspired by her mother’s hard work and community spirit. In one of her application essays, she described how her mother went above and beyond to ensure their community continued their recycling efforts, even as the trash hauler was not required to provide that service. This early experience to community involvement and care for the environment helped shape Ximena’s values and fueled her drive to be an active member of her community.

When asked to share her thoughts, Ximena’s mother, Daysi Castillo, shared her unwavering belief in her daughter’s maturity and ability. “Since she was a little girl, I have always had teachers tell me, how special Ximena is. What she sets her sights on, she accomplishes. She is interested in political science, and I believe she can be a Senator, President, or more! We will always support her dreams.”

One such dream was attending Yale’s Young Global Scholars Program in 2023, which in the end, confirmed her decision to attend Yale. After her time visiting several college campuses including Georgetown, Johns Hopkins University, as well as participating in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s NextGen Latino Leadership Program, Ximena knew Yale’s global focus and supportive environment deeply resonated with her future career aspirations.

As Ximena embarks on her journey at Yale, she remains committed to giving back. “I want to come back [to Downey Unified] and help share these opportunities with students. To me, a bad grade is just a bad grade. It says nothing about your determination and focus. I say, keep working, keep searching, and keep going,” she advises.

In addition to the Gates Scholarship, Ximena received several local scholarships, including the Downey Kiwanis Foundation Youth Service Award, Youth City Award, Carpenter and Downey PTA Scholarships and Women’s Club of Downey, which will further support her educational journey.

With the support of the Gates Foundation, Ximena Solorzano will be working on initiatives aimed at creating significant changes. Her successes aim to be an aspiration to positively benefit future generations of students in Downey and beyond.

This scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, an all-expenses-paid scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their course work, graduate college and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.

In addition to funding, the Gates Scholarship will provide further support to Scholars, by engaging with them and their institutions in a variety of ways, to ensure they have access to the resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes, through graduation and the transition to their chosen careers.