Selected for the Warren Buffett Scholarship, She Just Graduated from High School at ECCS and Earned an Associate Degree in Health Sciences at Esperanza College

The story of Angelyssa Torres, a young woman of Puerto Rican heritage born and raised in Philadelphia, could be that of any other young person her age who has faced multiple challenges since childhood. What makes Angelyssa’s story special is not the challenges themselves, but how she confronted them and emerged victorious.

“My parents enrolled me in Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) when I was in kindergarten,” says Angelyssa.

The reason was that she had been experiencing bullying from both staff and students at her previous school, and the situation became critical when a staff member injured her right ear. At that point, Angelyssa’s parents enrolled her in ECCS.

“My parents were familiar with Esperanza because my cousin studied there, so they enrolled me temporarily while they searched for a long-term solution.”

However, ECCS proved to be the best option through her high school graduation. The school offered flexibility, strong teacher support, and an environment tailored to her needs—Angelyssa is neurodivergent, with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia.

She was able to learn at her own pace and receive additional support from the school.

ECCS is a free public online school serving students in grades K–12 across Pennsylvania. Based in North Philadelphia, it combines remote learning with dedicated, culturally responsive support.

“Although online learning wasn’t common when I started, my parents saw the advantages of studying from home while still receiving a quality education and the support I needed.”

In this way, Angelyssa’s academic journey became unique, having learned in a virtual environment from a very young age.

“Esperanza Cyber Charter School gave me flexibility while also challenging me academically. Throughout my years there, I learned time management, organization, and how to be an independent student. Personally, I gained confidence and developed skills that helped me during my first classes at Esperanza College and will continue to help me as I pursue my higher education,” she said.

Among ECCS’s key features are flexibility, support, free technology, dual enrollment opportunities (allowing high school students to earn transferable college credits or an associate degree at no cost), and services for students with special needs.

“ECCS combines live online classes with independent academic work, teacher support, and a variety of learning tools,” said the recent graduate and strong advocate of online learning.

“Virtual learning offers many advantages. This school provides the perfect combination of live instruction with teachers and independent work, allowing students to progress at their own pace. One major challenge is that students need strong time management skills and self-discipline to keep up with assignments; although teachers do their best to monitor progress, it’s easy to simply turn off the computer and move on with your day,” she added.

She remained motivated and highly recommends ECCS.

“The school offers flexibility, supportive teachers, and opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically. It’s a great option for motivated students who are willing to take responsibility for their own learning. They help students go further through the variety of programs and clubs they offer. When you struggle in the virtual format, they make sure to connect you with the help you need. When studying online, you never truly feel alone.”

At Esperanza College, Angelyssa not only excelled academically but also took advantage of numerous personal and academic development opportunities available to outstanding students like her. She served as a student ambassador; was part of the Champions of Hope group, helping care for the community garden and the library club garden; and was an active member of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, representing the College in state and international competitions.

Angelyssa’s dual graduation—from high school and with an associate degree in Health Sciences—is only the beginning.

“Now that I’ve graduated, I’ve decided to continue my college education. I plan to move forward and earn my bachelor’s degree. I’m excited to keep growing, meet new people, and explore more opportunities related to my future goal of becoming a veterinarian.”

Angelyssa has been selected for the Warren Buffett Scholarship, which will fully cover her education at Delaware Valley University, where she will study Zoological Sciences.

Angelyssa’s parents are proud of their daughter’s achievements. In addition to her dual graduation, they were especially impressed by the “Legacy Award” she received along with a scholarship, for being the first and only student (to date) to complete her entire education within the Esperanza system (ECCS and Esperanza College), and to do so one year ahead of schedule.

Esperanza provided her with the academic support, foundation, and opportunities necessary to achieve this milestone.

“They are very grateful to everyone who supported my journey—teachers, staff, and community members—who helped me succeed and encouraged me to take part in activities that initially made me nervous, such as joining the theater group, the National Honor Society, Student Government, the Early College program, and HOSA–Future Health Professionals (formerly Health Occupations Students of America),” she said—efforts that ultimately helped her stand out and be selected.

In the words of Esperanza’s founder, president, and CEO, Reverend Luis Cortes:
Angelyssa is an example of how our youth and community can excel when we develop institutions that respond to our community needs.   Opportunity creates new realities.

Congratulations to everyone who made this remarkable journey possible—especially Angelyssa.