At 15, Trey Clark came to Ibero during a turbulent time in his life. He had been dealing with bullying, getting into fights, and struggling to find a space where he felt safe and understood. Introduced to the Ambassador Program, he found not only a job — but a supportive environment that helped him regain stability and confidence. “I felt like I didn’t have anybody,” Trey said, “but working here, everybody’s kind. At home, Trey’s family sees the changes too — sometimes challenging him to be more independent, now that he’s working and maturing. For Trey, that’s part of the journey. “This is helping me grow into my manhood.”

Nia Howard, a dedicated student from Rochester Prep, joined Ibero’s Ambassador Program in early February. One of the most transformative aspects of the program for Nia was overcoming her fear of public speaking. “I used to be scared of talking to people and large crowds,” she shared, but through regular community engagement and teamwork, that fear faded. A standout moment for her was organizing the Skate Lovers event, which drew over 200 attendees. “I realized I was doing something good for the community,” she said, reflecting on the impact. With aspirations to attend an Ivy League college, Nia sees her time at Ibero as a valuable step toward a successful future — and her family couldn’t be prouder.

“As the CEO of Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School, I have had the honor of observing firsthand the transformative power of the ASPIRA program in our middle school. The ASPIRA mentors, with their unwavering commitment to our school’s vision and mission, have been instrumental in engaging our students in meaningful learning experiences that embody our school values. We see this partnership as a crucial component of our school’s academic success, as it provides life experiences vital for expanding our students’ perspectives and preparing them for future success in our community. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”