La Santana Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Mango Street Dreaming
$550
1 winner$550
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 15, 2023
Winners Announced
Aug 15, 2023
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
2
Contributions
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior, trade school student, or two or four-year undergraduate student
Background:
Immigrant

Maria Serrano Santana made the bold choice to pursue a college education while the oldest of her four children was four years old and the youngest was eight months old. She created the time to study at any chance that she could. Despite the challenges of being a mother, wife, and student in Holguin, Cuba, her perseverance paid off. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching in 1988 and unconsciously served as a role model for future generations in the family. 

Maria immigrated to the United States in 2001 with her husband Medardo. As they adjusted to life in a new country and learned to navigate the world in two languages, the significance of higher education was repeated time and time again. To this day, Maria Serrano Santana still emphasizes the value of education as a means to better one's life.

Immigrants and refugees should have the opportunity to expand their career options through the pursuit of education and continue the dreams they left behind in their homeland. La Santana Scholarship seeks to support students of immigrant backgrounds so they have the support and funding necessary to complete their degrees.

Any high school senior, trade school student, or two or four-year undergraduate student who is an immigrant may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, DREAM BIG. What are your wildest dreams? How will you use your education to make them a reality?

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published April 10, 2023
Essay Topic

Tell us how you will DREAM BIG. What are your wildest dreams? How will you use your education to make them a reality?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

August 2023

Finalists
Ziao Huang
Yalissa Regalado
Bethel Daniel
Minju Kim
Tea Tamburo
Ricardo Mejia
Vivian Nji
Puja Debi
Bertha Gonzalez
Yarely Orozco Paniagua
Adeife Ajayi
Lisa Anderson
Hardeep Saharan
Carlos Gonzalez de Cosio Alvarez
Oreoluwa Sokunbi
Alina Semchishin
Jamar Gibson
Kemberlie Val
Divine Luhere
Cindy Truong
Katrina Pecaoco
Blessing Johnson
Melissa Medinilla
Freya Ngo
Leguejou Awunganyi
Elda Abayneh
Mohamed Salem
Dina Naziri
Arisa Chue
Cynthia Tinschmidt Leal
Sofia Alzugaray Orellana
Yasmin Martinez Olea
Fleli Hakizimana
Kseniya Chunayeva
Jessica Tamayo
Ajibola Falade
Kuhoo Bhatnagar
Adjuana Augustin
Kamara McKinney
Raul Torrez
Andre Flores
Viviana Telemaque
Hadiza Sarr
Mohammad Shahnoory
Anita Osuri
Elizaveta Paveleva

Winning Application

Nimo Hassan
University of PortlandPortland, OR
I firmly believe in dreaming big and embracing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. My wildest dreams encompass creating a transformative impact on education and society at large. With my education, I envision building an innovative learning platform that reaches underserved communities around the world. Utilizing technology and interactive tools, I want to break down the barriers to quality education, providing equal access and opportunities to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. My dream is to bridge the educational divide, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams. Furthermore, I aspire to be an advocate for educational reform, influencing policies and systems to create more inclusive and learner-centric approaches. By collaborating with educators, policymakers, and community leaders, I aim to shape educational practices that foster creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development. My dream is to be at the forefront of educational change, driving forward initiatives that prepare students for the complex challenges of the future. In addition to my impact on education, I dream of creating platforms for intercultural dialogue and understanding. I believe in the power of storytelling and the arts to foster empathy and break down barriers. Through my education and professional endeavors, I aim to promote cultural exchange, celebrate diversity, and build bridges of understanding between different communities and perspectives. My dream is to contribute to a world where differences are celebrated and where individuals come together to collaborate, innovate, and create positive change. To make these dreams a reality, I will leverage my education as a catalyst for change. I will continue to expand my knowledge and skills, staying informed about emerging trends and research in education, technology, and social impact. I will seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations, combining our strengths and resources to drive forward innovative solutions. Additionally, I will use my education to cultivate a strong network of allies and mentors who share my passion for making a difference. By building connections with thought leaders, policymakers, and influential figures, I can amplify my voice and influence broader change on a global scale. Above all, I will remain committed to my core values of empathy, compassion, and equity. I will infuse these values into every aspect of my work, ensuring that my actions align with my vision of a more inclusive and just society. I will never stop dreaming big, pushing boundaries, and challenging the status quo, because I believe that it is through dreaming big that we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make their dreams a reality.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 15, 2023. Winners will be announced on Aug 15, 2023.