In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to American society, Dr. Pantoja was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, the highest civilian honor in the United States. She was the first Puerto Rican woman to receive this prestigious award.

Dr. Pantoja’s revolutionary “ASPIRA Process”, emphasizing Awareness, Analysis, and Action, continues to guide our work today. Her belief that education is the key to liberation has transformed over half a million lives and built a movement that spans generations.

While rooted in Puerto Rican heritage and Latino culture, ASPIRA’s doors have always been open to all young people from underserved communities who aspire to reach their full potential.