Josue Rivas is a third-year student at Contra Costa College who is majoring in Nursing. He is a graduate of Leadership Public Schools Richmond, and he joined the Richmond Promise Summer Associate program in the summer of 2026.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Is there anything in particular that motivates you as you go through college and prepare yourself for a career?

A: I’m motivated to advance through higher education and obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing because I want to stand up for my underrepresented community of Latinos in the health care system. Growing up in Richmond, I learned the health risks that my community faces due to pollution, poverty and unfair access to healthcare. As a health care worker, I want to empower Latinos to feel accepted in this system that can be inaccessible to many.

Q: How has Richmond Promise played a role in your education?

A: As a first-generation college student, the Richmond Promise scholarship grants me a better shot at affording the expenses tied to attending college, whether it is by allowing me to purchase books, transport, or any resources I may need. Likewise, Richmond Promise has served as a reminder of the unity in my community which strives to provide support for first-generation students like myself, and represent a community that lacks resources.

Q: Why did you choose to be a Richmond Promise Summer Associate and what are you hoping to take from the experience?

A: As a Richmond Promise Scholar I understand the value that this organization provides for individuals in my community. Therefore I wanted to partake in this organization’s mission and help promote academic development and support first-generation college students. I have been honored enough to partake in the 2025-2026 Near Peer Ambassador internship where I got to host early college awareness workshops at various middle schools as well as provide one-on-one assistance for high schoolers during their required college applications. I really enjoyed supporting other students and I knew I had to apply for the Summer Associate role.

Q: What do you want to contribute to Richmond and/or the world?

A: As a future nurse, I aim to serve as inspiration for other first-generation Latinos in my community who are navigating through higher education by showcasing how it is possible to succeed in a system that sets obstacles in our path. Furthermore, I want to fight for the injustices that my community faces in the health care system and use my leadership roles and personal experiences to guide me as I provide proper care to my underrepresented community.

Q: How has your current college experience gone, and what has been the best part?

A: Attending community college has allowed me to explore various career opportunities without stressing about the vast cost of attendance. During this time I have also been exposed to community resources and programs that are implemented on campus to help students succeed. I have personally been a part of Puente, a program that connects first-generation Latino students through cultural and social events. They also have provided me with academic support during my shift into higher education. Overall my college experience has been full of academic and personal growth as I have learned to navigate through the different career paths.

Q: What advice would you give to a first-year Richmond Promise Scholar who is just heading off to a new college or CTE program?

A: A piece of academic advice I would give any upcoming college student is to self-advocate and be courageous. College will be overwhelming at times and it can be difficult to balance the academic life and personal life, but understanding that asking for help is key to success and a healthy human characteristic. We all learn at different paces, and inevitably everyone will encounter hardships. But remaining resilient and using the resources available will be the key to success. Resources like Richmond Promise and other programs on campus at any institution (are important), but it is critical to remember that these resources are only available if you are willing to seek guidance.

Q: What are you looking forward to doing after finishing school?

A: After graduating, I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life and finally having a position that I have been working so hard for. As a nurse, I want to be a place of comfort for my patients who are going through difficult moments.