a2toquesfoundation.org

Unlock Opportunities, Empower Futures

Transforming lives through education and sport.
Together, we fill the gaps scholarships can’t.

Why we exist

Our story

In 2015, our founder, Dani Pereira, and his family left Venezuela in search of safety and a better future. At just 15 years old, Dani arrived in the United States facing a new language, a different culture, and an uncertain path ahead. Yet, with big dreams and the unwavering support of his parents, he was determined to build a new life.

Dani learned English, excelled academically, and remained committed to his greatest passion: soccer. His discipline, resilience, and perseverance eventually earned him a scholarship to study and play at Virginia Tech, where he continued developing both as a student and as an athlete.

At the end of 2020, Dani’s talent and dedication earned him an invitation to join the 2021 MLS SuperDraft as a Generation Adidas player. On January 21, 2021, he made history when Austin FC selected him as the No. 1 overall pick. He became the first Venezuelan and the first South American player selected with the top pick in the MLS SuperDraft.

For more than five seasons, Dani proudly represented Austin FC and the Austin community—the place where his professional career began and where his family found a home. In July 2026, he opened a new chapter in his journey when he was traded to CF Montréal.

From Venezuela to Virginia, from Austin to Montréal, Dani’s story continues to be one of courage, adaptation, hard work, and perseverance. Every achievement along the way has been made possible through the support of his family, friends, teachers, coaches, teammates, and the communities that believed in him.

Today, Dani is committed to giving back through A2 Toques Foundation. He wants young people—especially immigrant and underserved students—to know that their circumstances do not define their potential.

Through education, mentorship, access to resources, and the support of a caring community, A2 Toques Foundation helps students prepare for higher education, build strong futures, and pursue their goals both in the classroom and beyond.

Dani’s journey is still being written, but its purpose is clear: to use his story and his platform to open doors for the next generation.

Because sports can open doors, but education secures the future.

Mission

We support underserved communities by helping students and their families navigate the educational system, providing one-on-one college readiness mentoring, and connecting them with academic, athletic, and professional opportunities that help them pursue higher education.

Vision

We envision a future where every student and family, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to pursue higher education with confidence.

Values

Family & Community: We believe students succeed when families and communities grow together through support, trust, and meaningful connections.
Access: We are committed to making educational opportunities, resources, and guidance more accessible to communities that have historically faced barriers.
Mentorship: We believe mentorship and personal guidance can transform the way students see themselves and their future possibilities.
Growth: We encourage confidence, resilience, leadership, and continuous personal development both inside and outside the classroom.
Collaboration: We believe lasting impact is created through partnerships, teamwork, and community involvement.
Inclusivity: We create welcoming spaces where every student and family feels seen, respected, and supported regardless of background or circumstance.
Discipline & Resilience: We value the discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience that education, sports, and life experiences help develop.

Our programs

The 1st Touch:

College Readiness

Education is at the heart of everything we do.

Through our College Readiness Program, we guide students and their families through every stage of the educational journey. We help students strengthen their academic performance, prepare for standardized tests, build meaningful extracurricular involvement, explore career pathways, navigate college admissions, and identify scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

At the same time, we empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to understand the educational system and actively support their children’s success.

Our goal is to help every student build a strong profile that expands their opportunities for higher education and long-term success.

The 2nd Touch:

Resources & Opportunities

Success requires access to opportunities.

Through strategic partnerships with sports academies, player development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners, we connect students and families with programs, services, and experiences that support their academic, personal, and athletic growth.

We work to ensure that these opportunities remain free or affordable for the families we serve, removing barriers that often prevent students from reaching their full potential.

Our goal is to open doors and connect students with the resources they need to thrive.

The 3rd Touch:

Student Support

Sometimes small barriers create big obstacles.

Through community drives, essential needs initiatives, health and wellness events, and targeted financial assistance, we help students access the tools they need to participate and succeed in educational and extracurricular activities.

Examples include school supplies, college essentials, sports physicals, academic enrichment opportunities, athletic participation support, and other gap-filling resources that help students continue moving forward.

Our goal is to remove obstacles and provide practical support that helps students stay focused on their growth and future goals.

The 1st Touch:

Scholarships

We provide opportunities for athletes to participate in tournaments and academies, increasing their chances of earning higher education scholarships.

The 2nd Touch:

Gap Filling

Beyond scholarships, we cover essential costs like shoes, uniforms, travel fees, and accommodations—ensuring no athlete is left behind.

Discover and connect

Education

We offer educational programs, TED Talks, and a wealth of information on scholarships and opportunities for students at every level of higher education.