This December, we are thrilled to celebrate Carla Rios as IDEA’s Donor of the Month! As the Director of College Counseling and long-giving member of Give Me 5, Carla exemplifies what it means to invest in the future of our scholars. She is a cornerstone of the IDEA Riverview team in Brownsville, Texas.
Carla’s journey with Give Me 5 began in 2008 when she joined IDEA Frontier Academy as a Kindergarten teacher. From the very beginning, she was inspired by IDEA’s mission to send 100% of our scholars to the best colleges and universities in the nation. “I have always been inspired by our mission,” Carla says, “and now, as a Director of College Counseling, I see firsthand how this scholarship fund makes higher education possible for our students.”
In her work, Carla witnesses the financial challenges that families face as they navigate the path to college. The Give Me 5 scholarship has become a symbol of hope by alleviating the financial burden and giving scholars the confidence to pursue their dreams. For families, it provides reassurance that education is not only possible but within reach. Carla often sees the relief in parents’ faces and the determination in scholars’ eyes when this support makes their goals attainable.
Last year, Carla experienced a moment that reaffirmed the importance of her contributions to Give Me 5. One of her scholars, Emily, was ready to begin college but faced significant financial hurdles. Despite challenges with FAFSA and financial aid, Carla and her team worked tirelessly to ensure Emily was supported. With help from Give Me 5, Emily registered for classes and even received a laptop to kick off her journey. “Seeing Emily overcome those barriers and take her first steps toward college reminded me just how impactful Give Me 5 is for our students,” Carla shares.
“To me, giving means empowering others to achieve their full potential by providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed,” she explains. This belief influences how she approaches her work every day, always striving to guide students academically and help them navigate their paths for TO & THROUGH college.
Looking ahead, Carla envisions Give Me 5 continuing to grow and empower more students to achieve their dreams. She hopes it will inspire scholars not only to build successful careers but also to give back to their communities, creating a “pay it forward” opportunity for generations to come. “Even small, consistent donations can create lasting impacts,” Carla says. “By becoming a monthly donor, you’re not just giving money, you’re creating hope, empowering dreams, and building a brighter future.”
Carla Rios’s story reminds us of the power of generosity and dedication. Her unwavering belief in the potential of our scholars is an inspiration, showing how one person’s commitment can transform countless lives. As we honor Carla this month, we also celebrate the collective impact of everyone who supports Give Me 5 and the future it helps create!
