Eli Yorio

Hi! I’m Eli Yorio, a Plan II Honors and Biology major in the Health Science Scholars Honors Program from Austin, Texas. Most people know me as the guy who is always smiling.

As an aspiring doctor, I am passionate about finding solutions to some of healthcare’s biggest challenges. In ninth grade, I founded 26 for 26, a campaign in partnership with Undue Medical Debt committed to eliminating $2.6 million in medical debt in my community by 2026, the year I graduated high school. While volunteering at the Central Texas Food Bank with my family, I learned that one of the biggest impediments to putting food on the table is the burden of medical debt. So far, 26 for 26 has eliminated more than $6.8 million in outstanding medical debt for 6,210 Austinites. I also built the Trial Tracker app to help doctors and research staff identify available clinical trials for their patients.

In my free time, I like to stay active, and many days you will find me on the golf course. I was a four-year Varsity golfer in high school and my first job was at Lions Municipal Golf Course here in Austin, where I first learned to play. Over the past few years, I’ve also picked up Spikeball, tennis, and ultimate frisbee, and I am always open to trying new things. I am also a hardcore sports fan and love watching the Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Texas Rangers, and Bayern Munich. In addition, I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts during my down time.

I was born with burnt orange blood and am extremely excited to be a Longhorn. I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a part of such an amazing program and group of people at the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Hook ‘Em!

Major
Biology and Plan II

Honors Program
Health Science Scholars Honors and Plan II Honors

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
While the opportunity to attend a college like the University of Texas on a full ride scholarship was important, I believe that the pillars of the program (Community, Connection, and Discovery) epitomize what made my decision to attend UT so easy. First, everyone at FASP, who welcomed me with open arms during finalist weekend and who have invested in me ever since, have already become family. Second, in my short time as a Forty Acres Scholar, I've already been able to meet so many special individuals, who either work or graduated from UT, who have become inspirations to me. Finally, I can't wait to explore the world, meeting amazing people and doing incredible work, when I use my enrichment stipend.