Carlos F. Garcia Muentes Scholarship

$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 22, 2024
Winners Announced
Sep 22, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Immigration status:
First or second-generation immigrant
Legacy Status:
First-generation college student

America is home for many immigrants who fuel our nation’s growth and development.

In 2018, more than 63% of foreign-born adults were employed compared to about 60% of native adults, among them brilliant thinkers, inventors, innovators, and incredibly hard-working individuals. Carlos F. Garcia Muentes embodied the spirit of ambition when he immigrated to the US from Manta, Ecuador to pursue a better life for himself and his family.

Despite what immigrants do for the nation, they often face many challenges in the US, creating a divide between those born abroad and those born in the country. 

To contribute to a better future for immigrant students across the country, the Carlos F. Garcia Muentes Scholarship will support immigrant students that have a passion for learning and want to create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

This scholarship is open to:

  • Current undergraduate students
  • International undergraduate students attending school in the US
  • All immigrants, including first- and second-generation immigrants
  • DACA recipients

To apply, please write or create a video about how your family and their story have shaped your beliefs about the world and your own career aspirations.

Selection Criteria:
Impact, Grit, Ambition
Published May 21, 2024
Essay Topic

Please write a 400-600 word essay OR share a brief video about how your family and their story has shaped your beliefs about the world and your career aspirations?

1–600 words

Winners and Finalists

September 2022

Finalists
Anastesia Yankson
Joy Onda
Richard Orisaya
Kevin Cano De La Cruz
Mayra Andreu
Poe Myint
Diana Concepcion
Daniela Estevez
Henry Varela
Amarachukwu Okeke
Nicole Zialcita
Karina Parra
William White
Yvonne Hernandez
Alejandra Camacho
Diana Alvarez
Lina Altaan Al Hariri
Erick Rosas Gonzalez
Stella Fungavaka
Edwin Santos
Alejandra Orozco Herrera
Simone CardosoDosSantos
Selene Ho
Josue Avalos Jimenez
Ana Alvarez
ariana dabner
Adriana Campuzano Martínez
Alexandra Egido
Wendy Soto
Theresa Kabeya
Daniela Garzón Reyes
Cindy Aguirre

June 2021

Finalists
Enma Galicia
Luisana De Los Rios
Faraja Deogratias
Oluwatamilor Lawani
Yousuf Haidari
Nazarene Campodonico
Jamie Sharabani
Nicole Gil
Nadia Pereira
Krystal Aguinaga
tiffany oderinde
Daniela Villavicencio
Alex Melgoza
Siham Muhumed
P.J. Egbu
Isha Patel
Katrina Guo
Jada Lane
Heidi Parra
Munachimso Agbasi
Valerie Novoa
Diya Patel
Hiniye Madelaine
Paulina Gonzalez
Okeoma Ufondu

Winning Application

Mitzary Rosales
University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL
My essay is submitted in video form.
Ramona Orozco
University of California-Santa BarbaraStockton, CA
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wka2q162sdwgn7m/Carlos%20F.%20Garcia%20Muentes%20Scholarship.mov?dl=0
Scarlet Benavides
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX
In the early hours of an April morning in 1992, my family and I arrived in Dallas, TX, on a crowded bus from the mountainous terrain of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Even as mere babies, my sister and I embarked on a journey of hope and promise, carried by our parents' determination to create a better future. With boundless aspirations in their hearts, they left behind the comfort of our native home, venturing into the unknown with dreams of abundance and success. Starting anew in a country with a different language and culture was not easy. The challenges were immense, and the road ahead seemed daunting. But our parents instilled in us a vital lesson from the very beginning: growth and success are seldom found in comfort. We learned that embracing change and facing adversity head-on were essential ingredients for progress. Life handed us a set of cards, each bearing its own hardships, but it was the wisdom of our parents that guided us as we played them. Embracing their teachings, I've chosen to aim my vision high and far, fueled by the belief that settling for mediocrity is not an option. I yearn to be a valuable member of society, one who not only takes pride in her roots but also finds purpose and fulfillment in the journey ahead. As I navigate through life's challenges, my parents' words echo in my mind, reminding me of the power of resilience and determination. I refuse to succumb to obstacles; instead, I view them as stepping stones to growth and achievement. I know that every hardship I face is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser, ready to take on the world with unwavering resolve. In the pursuit of my dreams, I have set my sights high, striving to become a beacon of inspiration for others. I am driven not only by personal ambition but also by the desire to contribute meaningfully to society. I want to be someone who leaves a lasting impact, someone who builds bridges of connection and understanding, transcending boundaries that divide us. Every step I take forward is a testament to the courage of my family, the sacrifices they made, and the belief they had in a brighter future for us. I hold their legacy within me, a constant flame igniting my spirit as I fearlessly embrace life's challenges and opportunities. As I embrace my heritage and embrace the work that lies ahead, I am reminded of the profound responsibility I have to honor the sacrifices of my family. I am determined to make them proud by being a source of positive change, and by using my skills and talents to uplift others and build a world that embraces diversity and empowers every individual to pursue their dreams. My journey may have started on a crowded bus from Monterrey, Mexico, but it continues with a sense of purpose and passion that drives me to make a difference. I am proud of where I came from, but I am even prouder of the work that lies ahead. With my family's support and guidance, I am confident that I will not only overcome any challenges that come my way but also thrive and make a lasting impact on the world.
Gabriela Perales
Baylor UniversityKaty, TX
https://youtu.be/bdPt6Z4Wfpk

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on Sep 22, 2024.