Redefining What’s Possible
January 28, 2025
In times of change and uncertainty, there is one thing that remains a constant source of strength at Alliance: our scholars and the many alumni who serve as pillars of transformation within their communities and across industries and institutions nationwide.
One of those alumni is Martin Alcaraz, a graduate of Alliance Marc & Eva Stern Math and Science School (Stern MASS), who achieved a series of firsts—becoming the first in his school’s history to be accepted to Stanford and the first in his family to go to college. He then went on to complete a two-year Cancer Biology Training Program at Yale and is now a PhD candidate in Molecular Biology at UCLA.
In the following interview, Martin reflects on his journey and the foundation that inspired him to pursue an extraordinary dream:
Looking Back: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d understood as a teen?
I wish I’d understood the power of our identities. Our identities set us apart, and there’s so much value in that, especially at higher education institutions. I didn’t realize the importance of being proud of who you are until I got to Alliance. So many of us feel ashamed of being poor or being the first in our families to go to college, but institutions actively seek out people like us—people who can lead in our communities.
The Impact of Belief: Can you name someone who believed in you and inspired you to go beyond what you thought was possible?
My teacher, Ms. Raihan, opened the door to the world of science for me, and I’ll always be thankful to her. When I reconnected with her while visiting Alliance Stern MASS, she told me, “It makes me so happy to see my students go further than I could with their education.”
Ms. Raihan didn’t just teach me science; she showed me how powerful my identity was. She even helped me secure a spot in a research program at Cal State L.A. and encouraged me to keep going when my sophomore year got tough. Ms. Raihan is one of many Alliance teachers who go above and beyond for their scholars. Their deep belief and passion for helping us excel beyond what we think is possible are life-changing.
A Lifelong Foundation: How did Alliance nurture your passion and drive to excel?
Alliance Stern MASS gave me a really strong foundation in STEM. I had the chance to take AP Bio, AP Environmental Science, and Honors Chemistry all before my senior year. When I completed the highest-level classes my school offered, I remember my teachers saying, “What’s next? Let’s enroll you in Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra at Cal State L.A.” The exposure to real scientific research in actual labs as a high schooler is something most people don’t experience until college or even later.
One of my dreams now is to have my own independent research group at Cal State L.A., where I can recruit Alliance scholars to participate and provide them with the same early exposure to research opportunities. I want to create the next generation of scientists.
Purpose in Action: If you could make one change–whether practical or legislative–to improve outcomes for scholars today, what would it be?
If I could make one change, it would be to create more peer support programs and extracurricular activities. These programs foster a sense of community and belonging, which is so important for all scholars.
At Alliance Stern MASS, we had a program called The Ivy. It brought together upperclassmen to mentor younger scholars and guide them through the college application process. I was the first student in my high school to get into Stanford, but thanks to The Ivy, I wasn’t the last. This also inspired me to start a Latine empowerment group called Máss Poder (spelled M-A-S-S for Stern MASS). Affinity groups, science clubs, and mentoring programs are all incredible and practical tools. When scholars can look up to mentors who come from similar backgrounds and share advice, it builds confidence, teamwork, and the determination to succeed.
Martin’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the brilliance that lies within every scholar, and the profound impact that community and mentorship can have in helping them discover their gifts, affirm their sense of self, and change the world—for the better.
