SMART Scholar Wins San Francisco’s Youth of the Year Award

(Summer 2024) – Diego Miller, a recent graduate of Lowell High School, embodies the essence of a well-rounded individual. He’s not only a sports enthusiast with a love for soccer and football but also an anime aficionado who finds joy in exploring diverse interests. Academically inclined, Diego excels in writing-based subjects like English and History, while tackling math with determination and resilience.

SMART was initially recommended to Diego’s parents by a partner organization. They first enrolled his older brother, Jonathan, whose positive experiences and growth at SMART inspired them to apply for Diego. This decision launched a transformative journey for him.

SMART Advisors have played instrumental roles in Diego’s educational journey, providing invaluable assistance with college applications and academic support. “Andrea carried me through my college apps. Her commitment was inspiring, from helping me write my essays to generally being the supporter I needed,” Diego shares. The SMART Advisors’ guidance and commitment have significantly impacted his path to success.

Reflecting on his time with SMART, Diego fondly recalls the meaningful connections he forged, particularly with his volunteer tutor, Paul. Their engaging discussions enriched Diego’s learning experience and helped him navigate the rigorous curriculum at Lowell High School. “When so many kids go to SMART, all attending different schools with different curriculums, having a tutor that can match up with Lowell’s curriculum was super helpful.” Paul helped Diego stride confidently from Algebra 2 to Calculus.

One of Diego’s most cherished memories with SMART was attending the Annual Career Conference: “It was cool because you could see where some SMART alum are right now and how SMART prepares you for the future.” Through conversations and presentations at the event, he gained insights into his passion for real estate, a field he aspires to explore further in the future.

His ambitions recently culminated in an incredible achievement: being awarded the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for the Mission Clubhouse of San Francisco. Winning the Boys and Girls Club’s San Francisco Youth of the Year award holds profound significance for Diego, not only as a personal achievement but also as a testament to his commitment to his community.  “The Mission Clubhouse hadn’t had a Youth of the Year in five years, so I had a chip on my shoulder. Winning was super big for me and my community.” Diego’s dedication, perseverance, and leadership qualities shone brightly throughout the rigorous selection process, earning him this prestigious honor.

As a first-generation college student, Diego sees higher education as a stepping stone toward realizing his dreams of making a positive impact and giving back to his community. Diego is thrilled to be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of California, Merced, starting this fall. His passion for sociology and child development and his entrepreneurial spirit in real estate exemplify his multifaceted approach to making a difference in the world.

For Diego, going to college provides the opportunity to further learn how to advance his community. “Coming back to my community after college and helping rebuild it is pivotal to me, because it’s what got me here. I feel like I need to do a service to give it back.” Diego is set to become the first generation in his family to graduate from college, marking a significant milestone for him and his community.