These stories were produced in partnership with PRI's Global Nation project.
For many first-generation college students, high school graduation is seen as a major milestone for them and their families.
Many of those students in Austin say they wouldn’t have graduated or been accepted to college without the help of Breakthrough Austin. It’s a non-profit that helps first generation college students get their degree.
Many immigrant parents who did not graduate high school or college struggle to navigate the education system in the United States.
Breakthrough meets these students in middle school, pairs the students with a counselor and help them get into good high schools in Austin and succeed academically.
They also help them understand the college application and the financial aid processes.
This week, some of those graduating students and their families share their stories.
Lucy Saucedo
High School: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
College: Texas Tech
Wants to study: Computer engineering
Odalis Cartagena
High School: Liberal Arts and Science Academy
College: University of Texas at Dallas
Wants to study: Biomedical engineering
Santiago Santana
High School: Anderson High School
College: St. Edward's University
Wants to study: Secondary education
Pablo Villafuerte
High School: Liberal Arts and Science Academy
College: Texas State University
Wants to study: Construction science