About Us
To ensure that first-generation, low-income students successfully navigate the college application process in the U.S. by providing quality information and support in a scalable way.
To empower every aspiring student, regardless of their background, to unlock their full potential and access higher education opportunities through Road to Uni’s transformative resources and guidance.
Founder's Story
Road to Uni was created by Cielo Villa, an entrepreneur committed to scalable and sustainable solutions that address the inequity that prevents under-connected students from entering higher education and accessing upward mobility.
Cielo arrived in the U.S at the age of 7, undocumented and without knowing English. Her parents, like so many, struggled to survive financially, while ingraining the value of education in her from an early age. Cielo developed Road to Uni because it was the solution she dreamed of while feeling lost during her early years of high school.
Cielo considers herself one of the lucky ones. By being admitted to a college prep program, LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America), she was able to understand and navigate the college admissions process, secure multiple college acceptances, and choose Wellesley College, which, when combined with the Gates Millennium Scholarship, met 100% of her financial need.
Cielo has made it her mission to support students who do not have the information and guidance that she was so fortunate to receive. Driven by the question “what if?” Cielo never loses sight of what could have been if she had not, by chance, been given an application to LEDA, if she would not have been accepted, and if she was not provided the guidance needed to make informed decisions. The “what-if’s” still scare Cielo today, and she unrelentingly works every day so that under-connected students won’t ever have to rely on chance or luck to achieve their own dreams.
2008
Idea Planted
Cielo, a senior in high school, envisions a program to support first-gen students in navigating college applications.
2018
Digital Beginnings
“Road to Uni” Instagram account is launched, laying the foundation for future engagement.
Early 2020
Nonprofit Formation
Road to Uni is officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization, formalizing its commitment to empowering students.
Late 2020
Recognized Impact
Cielo wins the prestigious David Prize, fueling her mission to expand Road to Uni’s impact.
2022
Pilot Launch
Through the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship, Road to Uni runs a successful pilot program, testing and refining its approach.
2023
Accelerated Growth
Acceptance into the Fast Forward Accelerator helps Road to Uni develop a scalable platform to reach more students.
Current Fall 2023
AI-Powered Support
CABi, the Beta AI chatbot, is launched, providing 24/7 support to empower first-gen students.
Idea Planted
Cielo, a senior in high school, envisions a program to support first-gen students in navigating college applications.
2008
2018
Digital Beginnings
“Road to Uni” Instagram account is launched, laying the foundation for future engagement.
Nonprofit Formation
Road to Uni is officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization, formalizing its commitment to empowering students.
Early
2020
Late
2020
Recognized Impact
Cielo wins the prestigious David Prize, fueling her mission to expand Road to Uni’s impact.
Pilot Launch
Through the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship, Road to Uni runs a successful pilot program, testing and refining its approach.
2022
2023
Accelerated Growth
Acceptance into the Fast Forward Accelerator helps Road to Uni develop a scalable platform to reach more students.
AI-Powered Support
CABi, the Beta AI chatbot, is launched, providing 24/7 support to empower first-gen students.