Boston College

Boston College Scholars are student leaders, peer mentors, advocates, and change makers. Whether through student government, service initiatives, or studying abroad, LFT Scholars demonstrate their commitment to actualize their potential on and off Boston College's campus.  

Currently, seven LFT Scholars are actively shaping their campus communities while preparing for life after graduation. Since 2012, 15 LFT Scholarship recipients have received their degrees from Boston College with their accomplishments reaching across industries, communities, and generations.  

At Boston College, AFF’s work is further strengthened by holistic student success initiatives like Montserrat, which provides support services to first-generation and low-income students. Through academic mentorship, personal development, and career guidance, Montserrat ensures that students have access to critical resources.  

Katie Hernandez ’26 is studying history and political science with the goal to become an American History professor to continue and share her passion for education. In the fall of 2025, Katie will complete an Honors Theses in History through which she is excited to participate in research and further explore the intersection of history and political science. Katie is the definition of driven. She is eager to make a difference in the class as a student and in the future as an academic.  

“AFF has allowed me to not only feel at ease with my financial situation, it has also has given me a sense of belonging and support that I didn’t know I needed. The transition to college was really challenging for me, but as soon as I arrived I met with Foundation representatives and fellow Annexstad Scholars who all made me feel really welcome and were extremely supportive. Since then, every semester I have met with either Elin or Maja, and they have been incredibly supportive of my journey and taken an interest in my life, studies, and future goals. My experience would not have been the same without them, and I am incredibly grateful for their support and kindness.”  

As she enters her final year, Katie shares, “I think the most important thing for new Scholars is to create space for themselves within their institutions. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the transition into college and a new environment, but I think pushing myself to become involved on-campus allowed me to feel more comfortable and confident. Also, it is just as important to create space for yourself within your classes, and push yourself to participate, even if it makes you uncomfortable.”  

The impact of the AFF-Boston College partnership is not confined to campus. As Alumni carry their education into the world, they bring with them a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to service. The ripple effects of their transformation are felt in boardrooms, classrooms, healthcare systems, and nonprofits – wherever they lead, they lift others with them.  

Our continued partnership is a testament to the enduring belief that access to education changes everything. As AFF marks this quarter-century milestone, it looks not only to its proud past but to a future shaped by the Scholars who are building a better, more equitable world – one transformative step at a time.