Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OGDEN — A Mexican restaurant in Ogden hopes hungry people Thursday will help support a unique group of students at Weber State University.
Chips and salsa and enchiladas never did this before.
"They are donating to people that quite literally will change the future of their families," said Sonora Grill owner Steve Ballard.
He said 100 percent of Thursday's sales will go toward a scholarship at Weber State University. The scholarship is specifically meant for first-generation immigrant students who are the first in their family to go to college. These students are unable to qualify for financial aide due to their parent's legal status.
"What you'll find is them, their entire family, grandparents, aunt uncles - everyone has pooled their money to get this first student into school," Ballard explained.
He said the scholarship is for students who have graduated from a Utah high school and completed a year of college, but need help to continue.
- Sonora Grill
2310 Kiesel Ave.
Ogden - Thursday, April 11
- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Reservations suggested
"You can maintain a 2.0 GPA, you are involved in leadership and extracurricular activities, and if you had the funds you would continue. Those are the students we are looking for," he said.
"We are looking for those students who show they will be successful in our society and our communities because they know how to figure out what it takes to get through," he continued.
Ballard believes the scholarship will change the future of these students' families, as they are the first to go to college.
He said the Sonora Grill scholarship comes in for the next two years of college. The restaurant's goal is to raise at least $10,000 Thursday. A private donor will match up to $25,000 of what Sonora raises.
Leaders of Ogden city, Weber County, and Weber State University will be stopping by throughout the day to eat and show their support.
The restaurant will post live updates on its Facebook page and Twitter feed.
An estimated 65,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools each year. Only 5 to 10 percent attend college because of cost or eligibility requirements.
