This fund was established by the family of Ari-Luis Demetrio Cordova after he passed away at 34 in January 2023. The Ari-Luis Demetrio Cordova Memorial Scholarship (ALDC) provides scholarships to graduating seniors in El Paso with dyslexia.
Researchers estimate that 1 in 5 Americans have a form of dyslexia, making it the most common learning disability. Students with dyslexia are often misunderstood and stigmatized by their teachers and peers. This combined with a lack of resources to educate students and parents about accommodations contributes to the high dropout rate for students with learning disabilities. ALDC aims to help young El Pasoans with dyslexia pursue their dreams whether that be through a traditional academic route or not. GPAs and testing scores shouldn’t be the deciding factor for students as they plan their futures.
Ari attended MacArthur Elementary/Middle School. He went on to graduate from Coronado High School where he was a part of the track and field team. Throughout his schooling, Ari struggled with dyslexia and ADHD. Despite this Ari was an avid reader who could be found listening to audiobooks at full speed. Ari thrived in fast-paced environments and loved doing hands-on work.
An experienced rock climber he was a guide at Hueco Tanks State Park before attending Eastern Kentucky University to pursue his dream of being an arson investigator. He was unable to finish his degree due to a lack of funds. Ari didn’t let that stop him—he tried his hand at being a firefighter, an EMT, and a mine rescuer in Carlsbad, NM. Ari loved helping people. Most recently, Ari had spent the last six years staging events all over Alaska. He walked on glaciers, flew in helicopters, and caught Halibut as tall as he was.
The Ari-Luis Demetrio Cordova Memorial Scholarship honors Ari’s adventurous and kind-hearted spirit and hopes to inspire those same attributes in those who receive the scholarship.
Keep in touch with ALDC by following our social media. Find us on Instagram at ALDCDyslexiaFund and find our Facebook Page under The Ari-Luis Demetrio Cordova Memorial Scholarship.
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