Brown University Sophomore Looks Back on How Success Bound Changed the Course of His Life

Fernandez is now applying that lesson at Brown University.

Fernandez, now in his sophomore year at Brown, is taking advantage of that university’s open curriculum opportunity to study multiple fields all at once.
“I love it,” said Fernandez. “It gives you the freedom to take what classes interest you, as long as by the end of four years you complete a certain amount to graduate.”

“Adriel’s unstoppable determination, supported by Success Bound, embodies our program’s essence: guiding and lifting aspiring youths toward higher education,” said Middlesex College Director of Perth Amboy Center Angelo Abreu.

“His incredible journey fuels our passion to create more stories like his, showing the profound impact of our program. We’re unwavering in our commitment to nurturing these exceptional success stories, fueling our program’s heartfelt mission.”

Fernandez became involved in Success Bound, a Middesex College program that offers high school students in Perth Amboy, Carteret and South Amboy the chance to take college-level courses, internships and learn about the college experience, while he was at the Academy for Urban Leadership Charter School.

Through the program, Fernandez enrolled in a criminal justice class and conducted research for a presentation on educational efforts in Perth Amboy. Success Bound also helped him learn how to navigate the college application process.

“Adriel Fernandez’s remarkable journey from Perth Amboy to Brown University is a shining example of the power of educational programs like Success Bound,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba, City of Perth Amboy.

“His story is inspiring and reflects our comment to opening doors for our youth, especially those facing barriers like first-generation and low-income students. We’re proud of Adriel and dedicated to nurturing more success stories like his through continued support for initiatives like Success Bound.”

Fernandez graduated from high school in 2021 and applied to 10 colleges, including NYU, Princeton and Penn, but he liked the opportunity at Brown best. He’s still figuring out exactly how he wants to contribute when he’s out of school but he’s grateful for Success Bound for giving him the tools to get where he wants to go.

“I hope Success Bound continues providing this type of education toward the college process and talking about the opportunities available for a first-generation low-income student like me,” Fernandez said.

“One thing holding people like me back is access and just not knowing the steps to take. I think Success Bound really helped a lot.”

Interested in Success Bound? Learn how to Apply.