Foundation Connections

The A Dream Decided (ADD) Scholarship, created to support undocumented graduate-level counselors-in-training, has awarded its inaugural scholarship to Edwin Lobato Castillo, a passionate advocate for immigrant and underserved communities. This milestone scholarship, funded through the NBCC Foundation’s Fellow-Led Giving Circle, aims to reduce financial barriers and open doors for undocumented students in the mental health field.

Edwin, currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at California State University Fullerton (CSUF), holds two part-time jobs while staying committed to his dream of becoming a licensed counselor. He is the first member of his family to attend college and serves as an Educational Services Advisor for GEAR UP, a program that helps low-income students prepare for higher education, and as a Mental Health Technician at a community-based mental health treatment program.

“I work with low-income students through GEAR UP, helping them prepare for postsecondary education and their career goals,” Edwin shared. “I also support clients as a Mental Health Technician, where I help individuals navigate their mental health challenges. These roles align with my passion for empowering underserved communities and have shaped my understanding of the barriers people face in accessing mental health care.”

Edwin’s journey into the mental health field was shaped by his own experiences as part of an immigrant family. Growing up, he observed the struggles his family faced—particularly the language and cultural barriers that made accessing resources difficult.

“I’ve always been curious about why people end up on difficult life paths,” Edwin explained. “That curiosity deepened when I saw how hard it was for people in my community to seek help. My family didn’t always know where to turn, and that’s what motivated me to be a resource for others.”

As a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) student, Edwin has faced unique challenges in his academic journey, from financial constraints to navigating his identity in academic spaces. Despite these obstacles, Edwin’s experience in CSUF’s graduate counseling program has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The Ánimo Latinx counseling concentration has been a game-changer for me,” he said. “It’s allowed me to embrace my DACA identity and feel supported in a way I didn’t always experience in high school or undergrad. The faculty here make me feel valued, which helps me stay motivated.”

The ADD Scholarship has been a vital resource in helping him continue his studies while alleviating some of the financial burdens that often fall disproportionately on undocumented students.

“This scholarship means a lot because there aren’t many that undocumented students can apply for,” Edwin said. “It’s not just about the financial help—it also signals that there are people out there advocating for students like me. It motivates me to keep pushing forward and, one day, become an advocate for more scholarships and opportunities for this population.”

The ADD Scholarship represents a broader effort to diversify the mental health field and ensure that professionals with lived experiences, like Edwin, are in a position to provide culturally competent care to underserved communities. For Edwin, this means serving immigrant and Spanish-speaking populations, offering them the support his own family lacked.

Edwin is committed to improving mental health access for marginalized communities, particularly those that face systemic barriers similar to those he has encountered. His bilingual skills and firsthand experience navigating life as a DACA student allow him to connect with clients on a deeper level.

“I know what it’s like to feel ‘othered,’ and I want to create a space where my clients feel safe and understood,” he said. “Being able to offer counseling in Spanish is one way I hope to break down those barriers.”

He believes mental health is essential to building resilient communities, particularly among marginalized groups who often feel disconnected or overlooked. “Mental health care provides people with the tools to heal, empower themselves, and contribute to their communities,” Edwin noted. “It’s a critical step toward creating a stronger, more inclusive society.”

As he advances in his career, Edwin hopes to contribute to the larger conversation about mental health and advocate for immigrant and undocumented communities. He envisions conducting research on the mental health needs of these populations and creating programs that encourage young people from immigrant backgrounds to prioritize mental health.

“I don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I have ideas—like research, mentorship, or even sharing my own story on larger platforms to normalize discussions about mental health,” he shared. “I think the more we talk about it, the more we can dismantle the stigma.”

His advice for other mental health professionals working with undocumented clients? Take the time to build trust and ensure that resources are truly accessible. “It’s not enough to hand someone a brochure in Spanish. You have to make sure those services are actually available in Spanish and that clients won’t be denied care because of their legal status.”

With his passion, determination, and the support of the ADD Scholarship, Edwin is well on his way to making a lasting impact in the field of mental health. His story is an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of supporting the next generation of counselors who are committed to underserved populations.

As Edwin said, “This scholarship opens doors not just for me but for the communities I hope to serve. It’s a step toward creating a more inclusive, equitable mental health workforce—and that’s something we all benefit from.”

 

Visit our website to learn more about and join the A Dream Decided Giving Circle.

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