On August 29, 4ATX Foundation and Netspend held a ceremony to proudly recognize four alumni of 4ATX programs who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their community by donating their time, effort, and leadership to 4ATX programs. Verde Leaders coaching staff, Netspend employees, and 4ATX staff joined award recipients at the ceremony.
“One of the most special aspects of 4ATX programs is the way our students have grown with us, becoming leaders who not only genuinely care about their communities, but who turn that caring into action,” said 4ATX Foundation Executive Director Kaitlin Mauro. “Four alumni we recognized today embody that so powerfully. Every one of them is actively working to make their communities the best places they can be. We are so proud of them, and so appreciative of Netspend’s generosity in helping these students pursue their dreams.”
The scholarships were awarded to first-generation college students pursuing undergraduate degrees who previously participated in 4ATX programs and are now working with the Foundation as coaches, mentors, and volunteers. This scholarship is part of 4ATX Foundation’s efforts to build the next generation of leaders by putting community members and program graduates in leadership and mentorship positions.
Each awardee received a $4,750 scholarship thanks to a generous donation from Netspend, with funds to be used for educational expenses
“As a founding partner of Austin FC, Netspend is proud to partner with 4ATX Foundation to invest in our local schools and community, particularly in the lives of such outstanding individuals as Bryan, Alexis, Adriana and Leonard. It is our honor to give back to these individuals and we look forward to the continued partnership with Austin FC and 4ATX Foundation,” said Yvonne Devany, Vice President of Global Partnerships for Netspend.
4ATX and Netspend also team up on the Verde Fellowship Program, an opportunity for two first-generation college students to gain real-world business experience in the Austin FC front office, execute ongoing community engagement projects and receive ongoing mentorship from Netspend.
2023 Netspend and 4ATX Alumni Scholar Awardees:Â
Bryan Aviles is a third-year business major at Texas State University and graduate of Navarro Early College High School, where he played with Verde Leaders after meeting the 4ATX team while playing at the Wooldridge School Park mini-pitch. Bryan has been a Verde Leaders coach for the past year, and will be at two sites in the fall!
Alexis Cervantes-Perez is a first-year computer science major who will start attending Texas State University in the spring. He is currently taking online coding classes to prepare, with his sights set on a master’s degree. Alexis played in 4ATX programs as a student at East Austin College Prep, and will be coaching with Verde Leaders in the fall.
Adriana Resendiz is a second-year kinesiology major with a business minor at St. Edwards University. Adriana has been a dedicated volunteer with 4ATX Foundation since her time playing in 4ATX programs, and she even contributed a beautiful live-painted jacket to the 2022 A Night in Verde Gala. Adriana will continue to volunteer with 4ATX this year, in addition to contributing her time and effort to the Austin ISD GO Project.
Leonard Swedi is a first-year Law and Policy major at Concordia University. After growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, Leo moved to Austin and attended high school at Northeast Early College High School, where he played with Verde Leaders for three years. He is returning now to coach with Verde Leaders for the 2023/24 school year.
