First-Generation Park City High School Senior Earns Full Ride to Stanford

Park City, Utah — After months of late nights, essays, and uncertainty, a first-generation Park City High School senior has earned a full-ride QuestBridge Match Scholarship to Stanford University, one of the most selective universities in the world, opening the door to a debt-free college education at a top-tier institution.

The news arrived on Dec. 1, marking the culmination of a highly competitive national process and a milestone moment for a Park City family navigating college access as the first in their household to do so.

“When I first found out, I ran over and tackled my mom, said Weijia Li. “She was the closest person to me.”

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top colleges. This year, through the QuestBridge National College Match, 2,550 students nationwide were awarded Match Scholarships among QuestBridge’s 55 college partners, representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories.

Each Match Scholarship provides early admission and covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses, with no loans or parental contribution required. Match Scholarship Recipients become the first QuestBridge Scholars for the Class of 2030 and join a global community of more than 35,000 QuestBridge Scholars and alumni.

“In my 18 years, I don’t recall a Park City student ever receiving a full QuestBridge Match,” said Liz Moskal, counselor at Park City High School. “We have students apply every year, but this is incredibly selective. This is something we really need to celebrate.”

Li’s path to Stanford began in the Dream Big program, led by educator Mel Moffat, which supports students in navigating college applications, financial aid, and postsecondary planning.

“I found out about QuestBridge through Ms. Moffat around late August,” Li said. “I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise.”

The QuestBridge application process is rigorous. After being named a finalist in October, Li had just 10 days to complete approximately 15 supplemental college essays before submitting final applications.

“It was really a very tight squeeze,” Li said. “I was pulling all-nighters trying to finish them. I barely made it, and I had to cut down on some schools.”

Despite the pressure, the effort paid off.

“This is why we do it,” said Moffat. “Weijia worked incredibly hard, and when he found out he matched with Stanford, he came into my room so excited. This is a huge accomplishment, not just for him, but for Dream Big.”

Beyond Dream Big, Li credits his teachers across Park City High School for supporting him academically, particularly in advanced coursework.

“I’ve really appreciated my AP teachers,” Li said. “Whenever I needed help, everyone was always available.”

Li specifically highlighted Kathleen Waller, a science and physics educator at Park City High School, who wrote his STEM letter of recommendation.

“She wrote my recommendation, and I think that was a big part in helping me get in,” Li said. “She also helped me access STEM opportunities like Engineering Day at the University of Utah that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”

A captain of the Park City High School robotics team, Li plans to study engineering and computer science at Stanford, with interests in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.

“I really love being able to code and see how it interacts with the real world,” Li said.

For Li and his family, the Match Scholarship is life-changing.

“It means I’m not a financial burden on my family at all,” Li said. “My parents don’t have to worry about me, and I’ll be able to graduate debt-free.”

As a first-generation student who immigrated to the United States, attending Stanford also carries personal significance.

“It’s close to where I lived when I first immigrated to the U.S.,” Li said. “There’s a great community there, and it feels meaningful to be going back to that area.”

Nationally, QuestBridge leaders say this year’s scholars represent the next generation of changemakers.

“This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients embody excellence in so many ways,” said Ana Rowena Mallari, co-founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “Since QuestBridge’s founding over 30 years ago, we’ve witnessed the incredible impact our Scholars can make in their lives, families, and communities.”

Li hopes his experience encourages other students to see themselves in the process.

“When you look online, it feels like everyone has these unbelievable resumes,” Li said. “But everything I did feels achievable. I don’t think you have to be special, you just have to work hard.”