Binghamton High School Junior Damian Sanchez

Binghamton High School junior Damian Sanchez received a major surprise on December 8, one that will give him a massive boost in his college and career aspirations.

Damian Sanchez was called into the high school’s guidance office the morning of December 8 not knowing what was going on. Was he in trouble? Was something wrong? Neither. He was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship from College Board’s BigFuture program

Damien Sanchez and his parents

Joined by school and district officials, as well as his parents, Damian got to hold that big check in his hands and find out that he’s getting a headstart on paying for his college education.

“I’m pretty excited. I’ve been looking at colleges and different careerpaths, so hopefully I’ll be able to get a criminology master’s. That’ll definitely help me a lot with it.”

Damian entered for a chance at being awarded the scholarship by completing the career evaluation quiz on BigFuture, a free online guide from College Board which helps students establish a roadmap for their life after high school. 

It turned out that Damian took that quiz, and he didn’t even remember that he did, making him even more surprised he received the scholarship!

Damian Sanchez with high school and district officials


“He deserves it more than anybody,” said Damian’s mother, Terri, who was there to see Damian’s reaction to snagging the scholarship..” He’s got a great head on his shoulders and he is working very hard toward his dreams. This will help him get there.”

BigFuture has awarded more than $16 million to over 19,000 student since the program launched in December 2018. Students across upstate New York and the United States in the classes of 2024 and 2025 are eligible for scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, with winners being drawn each month. 

To find out more and how to enter, click here to head over to the College Board website.