Sueños Universitarios

Opening doors to higher education

Students and volunteers talking around a college information table
College conversations in the community

Thinking about college?

We help students and families understand college options, prepare applications, and find scholarship resources. Here you can explore schools in South Carolina and read guides in English or Spanish.

Bryan, founder of Sueños Universitarios
Bryan Pérez Calixto Founder, Sueños Universitarios

Why I started this project

I'm Bryan, and I created Sueños Universitarios because as a first-⁠generation college student, I understand the challenges many students and families face when navigating higher education. This experience inspired me to create a project that provides bilingual guidance, resources, and support. Our mission is to empower students to believe in their potential, overcome obstacles, and pursue their college dreams with confidence.

Sueños Universitarios is Bryan's 2026 capstone project. At Spartanburg Methodist College, he served on LASO's founding leadership team as Events Chair in 2025–2026.

Workshops & community visits

Fall 2026

  1. College workshop

    Spartanburg High School

    LASO members shared college experiences and answered students' questions. Bryan is listed among the participants in LASO's recap.

    Read the LASO recap
  2. Late Night FAFSA

    Converse University

  3. Familias Upstate

    USC Upstate · CLC Ballroom

    An evening of college information for students and families, held entirely in Spanish. The flyer lists 5:30–7:30 p.m.

    See the event flyers
    Familias Upstate event flyer in English, November 6, 2026
    English
    Familias Upstate event flyer in Spanish, November 6, 2026
    Spanish
  4. Late Night FAFSA

    USC Upstate

  5. Equipando Padres Academy

    Monaview Elementary

A presenter speaking at a USC Upstate lectern
A college-⁠information presentation at USC Upstate.
LASO and HOLA members gathered behind a community information table
Students and volunteers sharing college information.
A community display featuring the name and story of Bryan Perez Calixto
Bryan's community work featured on a local display. Read the display

Scholarship resources

Scholarships and financial aid

Explore scholarship opportunities, financial aid information, and college resources from HispanicAllianceSC.

View scholarship database
Resources by HispanicAllianceSC

Big Mo

A college-⁠access program from Spartanburg Academic Movement for students in Spartanburg County. Find college and career guidance, information for families, and downloadable resources.

Writing a Scholarship Essay
  • Read the instructions: learn the format, word count, and required topics before you start.
  • Create an outline: include your thesis, body paragraphs, evidence, and closing statement.
  • Write with energy: share your personal experience and write when you feel inspired and positive.
  • Check for errors: watch for grammar and spelling mistakes. Have someone review your work.
  • Include all documents: submit letters of support, transcripts, and any other required materials.
Finding Scholarships
  • Search online databases: check HispanicAllianceSC.com, Scholarships.com, SallieMae.com, and Unigo.com. Ask your counselor for local scholarships too.
  • Make a list: save scholarships that match your qualifications and interests.
  • Organize by deadline: prioritize scholarships based on application deadlines.
  • Apply consistently: you can't win if you don't apply. Take time between applications and keep going.
  • Check often: look for new scholarship opportunities and review the application deadlines.
Inside the resource database
  • Scholarship award amounts, deadlines, and requirements
  • Mentorship, internships, and career development programs
  • Financial aid resources and college guides
  • Contact information and eligibility requirements

Schools in South Carolina

Connect directly with South Carolina colleges and universities in your area. Click on any school below to explore their financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Programs

Supporting students in their journey to higher education.

College Readiness

Workshops, planning tools, and application guidance to prepare students for the next step in their academic career.

Student & Family Support

Bilingual encouragement and one-⁠on-⁠one support for students and their families throughout the college process.

Community Outreach

Events and partnerships that connect education with opportunity, building bridges within the community.

Student journey

Find your next step
  1. 01

    Explore

    Discover colleges, programs, and financial aid options available to you.

  2. 02

    Prepare

    Build your plan, gather documents, and strengthen your application.

  3. 03

    Apply

    Submit applications with confidence, backed by guidance and support.

  4. 04

    Celebrate

    Embrace your achievement: you earned your place in higher education.

Student Spotlight

Jean Segura, LASO President at Spartanburg Methodist College

Jean Segura

Senior at Spartanburg Methodist College

Former SMC Soccer Player

President, Latin American Student Organization (LASO) Founder, Segura's Solutions

"I decided to pursue higher education because I have always been interested in business and marketing. I have always enjoyed selling things on Facebook, making connections with people, and finding ways to do things on my own. That made me want to go to college and learn more about how businesses work, how to promote them, and how to grow them. I chose business because it connects with things I already enjoy doing and what I want to do in the future."

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