Cooper graduate Jazmin Tlaseca surprised with Grow Your Own Scholarship

What started as an ordinary seventh period class quickly turned into an unforgettable moment for Cooper High School (CHS) graduate Jazmin Tlaseca.

Surrounded by classmates, teachers and staff, Tlaseca was surprised with the announcement that she had been selected to receive a Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) Grow Your Own Scholarship, which will help her pursue a career in education.

“I am so proud of myself and grateful to have been given such a blessing by the district that I have been in since kindergarten,” said Tlaseca.

The Grow Your Own Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated a passion for education, a commitment to serving others and the potential to make a lasting impact in Rdale. Scholarship recipients may receive full or partial tuition support—up to $25,000—to attend college while preparing to become educators.

"Being able to become a teacher makes me hope that I can help other Latino children navigate the world," she said.

She credits her success to the support of her family, especially her mom, her Latino community, and the teachers and staff at Cooper who encouraged her along the way.

This fall, Tlaseca will attend Concordia University, St. Paul, where she plans to study education.

"I'm most excited to be welcomed by a community that is waiting for me," she shared.

Tlaseca was deeply involved in the CHS community over her four years, serving as the Senior Class President, a Student Council officer with more than 100 hours of volunteer service, a member of the Student Multicultural Advisory Committee, and a manager of multiple sports teams.

Tlaseca is one of several students selected for the Grow Your Own Scholarship after successfully completing a college preparatory education course. Recipients are chosen based on their commitment to education, academic readiness, positive contributions to their school communities, and recommendations from teachers and mentors.

The scholarship is part of Rdale's Grow Your Own program, supported through the Minnesota Department of Education. The program helps develop the next generation of educators by supporting local students and community members who aspire to teach, with a focus on building a diverse workforce that reflects the students and communities they serve.

Students interested in pursuing a career in education are encouraged to explore future Grow Your Own opportunities through Rdale.