Edgerley-Franklin Urban Leadership Scholarship inspires student to pay it forward.
Yubisela Toledo grew up in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Upon arriving at Kansas State University her freshman year, the biology major became involved with K-State’s Developing Scholars Program. Through private philanthropic support for that program, Toledo was able to research technology that could advance cancer treatment.
During her sophomore year, Toledo received the privately funded Edgerley-Franklin Urban Leadership Scholarship, which connected her with a spring break trip to volunteer in a Boys and Girls Club in Boston. This experience inspired her to begin establishing a Boys and Girls Club in her hometown of Liberal, where such resources are scarce.
Now a junior, Toledo reflects on her K-State experience with a strong sense of responsibility.
“There is a cycle of giving and receiving, and paying it forward,” she said. “I want to be part of this cycle. I want to make a difference. My parents came to America for a better life and it’s my obligation to take it a step forward.”
