HUGO ORTEGA
CAP commits to coaching our students, who we call Wave-Makers, to graduate from college as
quickly and with as little debt as possible while equipping them with the skills and experiences
needed to be competitive contributors to the global workforce.
Hugo Ortega
MAY 2019 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 11
The College & Alumni Program (CAP) works with
traditionally underserved students in the Bay Area
to help them graduate from college on time and
with as little debt as possible. For Hugo Ortega, that
dream is becoming a reality. Currently a sophomore at
California State University, East Bay, Hugo is on track
to graduate college – without debt – and receive a
degree in business administration with a concentration
in marketing. A first generation, Latino student, Hugo
worked with CAP to address and overcome his unique
challenges.
Born in San Francisco, Hugo’s family moved to
Oakland due to rising housing costs. Eventually, Hugo’s
family decided to relocate away from Oakland amidst
constant violence near his home. The family then
settled in Richmond. According to Hugo, his time
in Richmond was invaluable. “My parents believed it
would be best to move in to Richmond to protect
us from any violence and I loved the time I spent in
Richmond.” At 10 years old, Hugo enrolled at Making
Waves Academy, a public charter school in Richmond.
During his senior year of high school, Hugo attended
a CAP-hosted FAFSA workshop where he first
learned about the financial aid process. CAP coaches
were ready to answer questions, ensuring all students
understood the process and were prepared to fill out
the required forms. Hugo now uses what he learned
through CAP to help his family. “I have various family
members who are also entering the FAFSA application
process,” says Hugo. “I gladly guide them through the
requirements to help them receive as much financial
help as they can.
Hugo was initially indecisive about his career path
when he started his studies at California State
University, East Bay, which resulted in some difficulties
from changing
majors. “One
of my biggest
mistakes as a
student was
enrolling in a
class without
knowing if it
was suited for
me,” he says.
Hugo’s CAP
coach, Courtney
Arguello, advised
him to talk to a
school counselor.
“From there I
was given an outline of classes I should be taking for
the upcoming semester and tips on the classes I should
be taking that would knock out various requirements.”
Confident on where he currently stands academically,
he is on schedule to complete his degree in four years.
CAP coaches also work with students on nonacademic
areas. As an incoming freshman, Hugo felt
lost and like he was doing the bare minimum on
campus. Many CAP students face a similar feeling of
“not belonging ” and coaches often remind them of
their previous accomplishments and why they are
meant to be there. “Ms. Arguello pushed me to step
outside of my comfort zone and explore the various
amount of activities, clubs and organizations CSUEB
has to offer,” he says. Now with a new level of stability
in his academics, he is also meeting great people who
share his interests. CAP’s flexibility and patience is
what Hugo admires most about CAP, as it helped him
change his major and improve his social life outside
of the classroom. He hopes to work as a marketing
manager after graduation.