"Helping young immigrants achieve their True Potential through affordable, quality education"
The True Potential Scholarship focuses on creating opportunities for young immigrants who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) and Temporary Protective immigration status (TPS). These individuals are commonly known as ”Dreamers" and are not eligible to receive any public benefits, including federal financial aid and many scholarships. Because of the public funds restriction, True Potential uses 100% private donations and private institutional funds.
The idea for this scholarship was born out of experience. Ross & Karen Pesek, the founders of this program, were able to attend college because of the generosity of others. Ross attended Central Community College, Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska College of Law over seven years always in scholarships. Karen attended Central Community College and Wayne State College also with a scholarship. Ross and Karen often give thanks to the donors whose generosity allowed them to get their education and begin to fulfill their true potential.
Since starting Pesek Law, Ross and Karen have dedicated much of their efforts towards helping others in their community. They opened a free legal clinic in South Omaha at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where Ross gives free legal advice in Spanish every Monday night. He has met with over 2,500 people in eight years at the clinic. Ross has also announced immigration reforms to thousands at local churches and personally helped well over 300 people brought to this country as children obtain DACA. Finally, Ross has a thriving legal practice that is heavily influenced by Spanish speaking immigrants. Karen is the Director of Finance and Community Liaison of the firm and daily, both try to validate those individuals who gave them an opportunity by creating the scholarships that funded their education.
Since 2014, and thanks to the generosity of many donors, over 100 full one year scholarships have been awarded to approximately 75 unique individuals.
Our Team
Ross Pesek
Founder and Program Director
Ross is the founder of True Potential. He is also a bilingual private practice attorney at Pesek Law in Omaha focusing on Personal Injury cases.
Scott is the Executive Director of Matters On Tomorrow, the 501c3 organization under which True Potential is active. Scott works in Lincoln in the financial industry. To learn more about Matters On Tomorrow please visit:
True Potential Scholar 2019
Medical Assistant
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Issac Elihu Villa Sacedo
True Potential Scholar 2019
Electro Mechanical and Automation
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Jose Velazqez-Lara
True Potential Scholar 2019
Diesel Engineering
Southeast Community College (SCC)
2014: First Round of Scholarships
In 2014, we awarded five scholarships to: Fernando Gomez, Lorena Salas, Yessica Aleman and Daisy Beltran. Not pictured: Jackie Lopez.
2015 Group Picture
In 2015, we awarded 7 scholarships. In the picture, from left to right: Luis Olivas, Ross Pesek, Liliana Martinez, Jackie Lopez, Martin Hernandez, Karen Pesek.
2016 Group Picture
19 scholarships were awarded in the 2016 school year!
Brisa Mejia-Crisanto
Earth Studies
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Erick Landa-Guerrero
Culinary Arts
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
2017 Group Picture
In 2017, we awarded 26 scholarships! 2017 marks our final group pictures due to the amazing growth of participants!
Adolfo Diaz-Vargas
Adv. Manufacturing Design Technology
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Martha Gomez-Angeles
Real Estate
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Kenia Hernandez-Santiago
Nursing
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Yovani Sanchez-Carrera
Nursing
Northeast Community College (NECC)
Noelia Ledesma-Gonzalez
Business
Northwest Iowa Community College (NWICC)
Bernardo Morales-Rodriguez
Electrical Technology
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Grecia Torres-Arredondo
Animal Science
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Carlos Aguilar-Ramirez
Business/Marketing & Cinematography
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Ana Loya
Human Services
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Calixto Lopez
Construction Management & Technology
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Brisa Lara-Gonzalez
Dentistry
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Tomas Brito
General Education
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Beatriz Gabino-Maganda
Nursing
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Kevin Boteo-Mazariegos
Construction Technology
Central Community College (CCC)
Hermelinda Escobar-Tercero
Nursing
Southeast Community College (SCC)
Jonathan Alvaraz
Welding/Automotive
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
Susan Sanchez-Medina
Microbiology & Dentistry
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)