TAMPA, Fla. — Albert Gibbs said his early role models helped pave the way for his success.

Now the University of South Florida Alumni is doing the same for others.

“At the AG leadership Academy we focus on financial and mental health,” Gibbs said. “We show them a way out of whatever their situation may be.”

Gibbs, a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, started AG Leadership Academy to encourage young people through mentorship and educational grants.

AG Leadership was founded in 2016 and now has dozens of mentees under its wing. 

“I don’t know where I would be without Albert,” said mentee, Juan Rivera. “I moved here from Honduras when I was 15; I had to move out of my dad’s house because he was an alcoholic.”

Rivera moved to Florida his junior year but his high school experience looked much different than others.

“I had to sleep in my car in Home Depot parking lots; there were times I was so hungry I thought I’d starve.”

Rivera said he wanted more out of life so; he sought out mentorship and found the AG Academy. Rivera graduated with a 3.1 GPA and a full ride scholarship to further his education, with the help of the academy.

“Juan worked really hard,” Gibbs said. “He’s been through a lot.”

On Monday, Gibbs drove Juan and several other mentees from South Florida to Tampa, to show them USF’s campus.

“These are my old stomping grounds,” said Gibbs. “It’s also a place Juan wants to transfer to after he finishes his community college credits.”

Rivera was not able to attend school this fall.

The pandemic put a lot of stress on an already complicated immigration process, leaving many immigration students unable to reapply for their DACA applications.  Rivera is set to finish his courses next year.

“I appreciate Albert and I think everyone should have a mentor,” said Rivera. “(He’s) someone to tell them about their past mistakes and give you good advice.”