Join us in supporting Indigenous Mexican immigrant students for success in college and beyond!

 

Due to the low pay of farmworkers and resultant lack of family financial resources, Indigenous Mexican immigrant students often have to work full-time while also attending school full-time. The SMI Scholarship provides between $150 and $400 per month to selected students, depending on their GPA the previous semester. These amounts were determined in consultation with Indigenous Mexican immigrant community members. In addition to this stipend, the scholars will receive mentorship from the scholarship coordinator as well as Indigenous leaders in California.  As part of this mentorship, scholars attend professional development trainings via zoom or in person (dependent on COVID-19) each semester.

 

For the 2020-2021 school year, we have selected 5 scholars: Gerardo, Maricela, Griselda, Adelaida, and Esmirna. Each is the first in their family to pursue higher education in the U.S.; all of them trilingual in English, Spanish, and Triqui. All of them are currently attending their local Community College and hope to transfer to a four-year university.

 

Gerardo hopes to become a health professional. Prior to this support, he worked every weekend and during all school breaks as a farmworker.

 

Maricela wants to be a nurse. Prior to this support, she worked full-time in a taqueria in addition to full-time course work.

 

Esmirna hopes to become a nurse or a social worker. She is currently unable to work due to a work-place injury, and this support is helping her cover needed living expenses.

 

Griselda wants to become a teacher. She is currently working at a taqueria but is able to be more flexible with hours due to this added support.

 

Adelaida wants to become a teacher. This additional support allows her to work fewer hours during the weekdays to focus on her studies.

 

Join us in supporting these amazing students to be successful in college and beyond!  Every donation, of any amount, supports students directly. The money received is tax-deductible and goes directly to support the students.

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