Balbina Ferrufino De Soto Scholarship for Latina Nurses
Balbina Ferrufino de Soto (1972-2025) was a devoted mother, a cherished community member, and a woman whose life was defined by compassion, generosity, and unwavering kindness. She touched the lives of everyone she met through her warmth, selflessness, and quiet strength.
A native of Bolivia, Balbina immigrated to the United States at the age of twenty and made her home in Springfield, Virginia. Like many immigrants, she faced uncertainty, fear, and the challenges of building a new life in an unfamiliar place. Through it all, she held a deep and unshakable belief in education. She understood that higher education can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially for women, immigrants, and first-generation students but she believed it was one of the most powerful ways to confront fear, open doors, and create lasting change.
Balbina believed learning was not only a path to professional success, but an act of courage. She was the greatest motivator and inspiration in her daughter's pursuit of a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. During long nights of studying, she stayed awake alongside her, offering encouragement, comfort, and constant reassurance. Her presence during those late hours was a reminder that no challenge was faced alone. Every milestone reached was made possible by her sacrifices, her faith, and her unwavering belief in her daughter's potential.
This scholarship honors the legacy of Balbina Ferufino de Soto by supporting students who share her compassionate heart and her belief in education as force for healing, resilience, and hope. It is intended for aspiring nurses who are willing to face fear with courage, serve others with empathy, and use their education to uplift their families, communities, and future generations, just as Balbina did for her daughter and many others throughout her life.
Any female Latina student who is a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student pursing nursing through a BSN, MSN, DNP program is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to first-generation college students and those of Bolivian descent, reflecting Balbina's life journey and her commitment to uplifting others through education.
To apply, answer the essay prompt below.
Please choose ONE of the following prompts and write a thoughtful response. We encourage you to share your personal experiences, perspectives, and aspirations.
Option 1: Of the many health challenges facing the United States today, which one are you most interested in helping to solve or alleviate, and why?
Option 2: Life can present many challenges. Describe a time when you faced fear or adversity during your academic or personal journey. What helped you persevere, and what did you learn from the experience?
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FAQ
The application deadline is Mar 30, 2027. Winners will be announced on Apr 30, 2027.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Apr 30, 2027. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
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Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
