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Pa’lante! Latinas in STEM Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Aura Matilde Memorial Scholarship Fund
$5,000
2 winners, $2,500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 30, 2026
Winners Announced
May 31, 2026
Education Level
Undergraduate
Share
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior at a four-year college
Field of Study:
STEM
GPA:
3.2 GPA or higher
Ethnicity:
Latina
Gender:
Female
Education Level:
Field of Study:
GPA:
Ethnicity:
Gender:
Undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior at a four-year college
STEM
3.2 GPA or higher
Latina
Female

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)

Aura Matilde’s life is a testament to this truth. Through her sacrifice and steadfast commitment to education, she transformed not only her own family’s future but also the lives of countless others she mentored and supported.

Although Aura Matilde only had a third grade education herself, by the time of her passing at age 80, she had earned: 7 bachelor’s, 4 master’s, an MBA and a Juris Doctor by way of her sacrifice and support of her children and grandchildren. And that does not include the dozens, or possibly hundreds, of people she mentored and assisted during her 55 years in the United States, helping recent immigrants, such as herself, find schooling, housing, jobs, and other resources to attain their slice of the “American Dream.” “Your education is the only thing no one can ever take away,” she often said.

To uphold her honor and continue her legacy, her family established the Aura Matilde Memorial Scholarship Fund for the advancement of Latinas attaining higher education across various disciplines. The first scholarship to be awarded through Pa’lante! (a colloquialism encouraging one to keep moving forward!) will be in STEM. 

Any Latina in their sophomore, junior, or senior year pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) maintaining a 3.2 GPA or better is encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide expressed financial need, extracurricular activities, first-generation status, and any work experience on their profiles.

To apply, tell us how you have made an impact in your community through STEM. Additionally, submit one recommendation letter from a professor or advisor at your college.

Selection Criteria:
Academic achievement, Community impact & service, Woman of Latin American descent, Studying STEM
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Published January 29, 2026
$5,000
2 winners, $2,500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 30, 2026
Winners Announced
May 31, 2026
Education Level
Undergraduate
Share
Essay Topic

As Aura Matilde saw her responsibility to help others along their way, we look to award this scholarship to women who share that passion to give back and to pull others up as they move forward — Pa’lante! 


How have you made an impact in your community through STEM?

250–450 words

Winners and Finalists

May 2026

Winners
Beldomisa Mendes
Rivier University
Contoocook, NH
Alexa Gonzalez
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX
Finalists
Katy Reyes
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX
Isabella Testerman
Roanoke College
Mechanicsville, VA
Angelisse Requena
Yeshiva University
Bronx, NY
Luaned Ruiz Rodriguez
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Buffalo, NY
Jorlyann Campos
University of Puerto Rico-Cayey
Gurabo, PR
Arelis Trujillo
Barry University
Hialeah, FL
Lydia Pascale
Grand Canyon University
Olivehurst, CA
emma robaina
George Washington University
Miami, FL
Aliyah Rivera
New York University
Albany, NY
Magdalena Martinez
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY

Winning Applications

Beldomisa Mendes
Rivier UniversityContoocook, NH
Alexa Gonzalez
The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TX
As a Latina woman pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences on the pre-medical track, I have come to understand that STEM is not only about scientific discovery, but about service. For me, science has always been a tool to uplift communities that often lack access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Throughout my academic journey, I have sought to use my STEM education to create meaningful impact both locally and globally. One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community through STEM has been through education and mentorship. I have worked with younger students and peers, helping them understand scientific concepts and encouraging them to pursue careers in science and healthcare. Many students from underrepresented backgrounds hesitate to see themselves in STEM fields. By tutoring, mentoring, and sharing my own journey as a Latina in science, I hope to show them that these paths are not only possible, but necessary for our communities to thrive. Beyond the classroom, I have also used my scientific training through service and global engagement. During my time volunteering in Southeast Asia, I participated in an educational and health initiative where I helped teach English and supported a medical campaign providing essential nutritional supplements to families in underserved communities. Witnessing mothers worried about their children’s health and nutrition reinforced my belief that science and medicine must reach beyond laboratories and hospitals. STEM must serve real people, especially those who need it most. My commitment to community impact through STEM has also extended into research and public health work. Through my involvement with projects focused on women’s and maternal health, I have contributed to efforts aimed at improving health equity and protecting vulnerable populations. These experiences have allowed me to see how scientific knowledge, when combined with advocacy and policy, can help address systemic healthcare disparities. These experiences have shaped the physician and leader I aspire to become. I hope to pursue a career as a physician who not only practices medicine, but also works to improve healthcare access for women and children, particularly in underserved communities. STEM has given me the knowledge to understand health challenges, but service has given that knowledge purpose. Like Aura Matilde, I believe in moving forward while lifting others along the way. As I continue my journey in STEM, my goal is not only to succeed, but to ensure that the doors I walk through remain open for those who come after me. Pa’lante.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on May 31, 2026.

How will scholarship application information be used?

Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here. You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.

What is the scholarship award?

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?

The winner will be publicly announced on May 31, 2026. 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.

How will the scholarship award be paid?

Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's 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.

How will my scholarship application be verified?

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.

How should I get in touch with questions?

If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?

Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.

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