Hello, my name is Juan!
As a CODE Scholar, I’ve had the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and into meaningful, research-driven work that uplifts students in my community. My research team specifically chose to investigate how near-peer mentoring impacts high school students of color in Alton, focusing on outcomes like graduation rates, discipline actions, and attendance. Each week for an entire school year, we connected with students at the Boys and Girls Club, using surveys, group discussions, and engaging activates to assess their view of their education and plans for the future. Through CODES, I’ve been able to develop as both a researcher and a leader—learning how data, mentorship, and collaboration can create real change in any community we apply ourselves to.
