San Juan , Friday, November 1, 2024 | The Puerto Rico Community Foundation (FCPR) announced that students of African descent in Puerto Rico, who are pursuing post-secondary studies at an accredited institution, will be able to apply for a supplemental scholarship to the Benito Massó Scholarship Fund for Afrodescendants of Puerto Rico. Since its establishment in 2019, the Fund has awarded 67 scholarships to Afro-descendant youth from Loíza and now, five years later, it is expanding to the rest of the Puerto Rican archipelago so that other Afro-descendant students can have this opportunity.
“The FCPR is expanding the call for applications for the scholarship fund known until now as the Benito Massó Scholarship Fund for Loíza Youth, so that Afro-descendants from any municipality can benefit from this financial aid opportunity, thus stimulating them to continue with their study goals,” said the president and chief executive officer of the FCPR, the Dr. Nelson I. Colón Tarrats. He added that to “honor Benito Massó's work in Loíza and continue the FCPR's commitment to this community, a portion of the funds will be destined to support students from this coastal municipality, mostly of African descent”.
The scholarship provides supplementary aid to the student to help cover costs related to their studies such as: lodging, transportation, books and others. If you are interested in applying, please visit this link or the FCPR website www.fcpr.org and press the APPLY button on the main menu, where you will find the online application. Eligibility criteria include: being a permanent resident of Puerto Rico of African descent; pursuing post-secondary studies at the undergraduate level, such as baccalaureate, associate, technical or vocational degrees and certifications, in accredited institutions in Puerto Rico; and demonstrating financial need, among other criteria.
The call will be open until friday, november 22, 2024.
A maximum of $1,500 per youth will be awarded - the number of scholarships per year is subject to the availability of funds and the scholarship may be renewable annually for a maximum of two to four years, depending on the degree of study. To date, the philanthropic investment has been $95,500.
“It is impressive how many scholarships we have been able to award in five years. The Massó family is very happy and satisfied with the opportunity we have had to help young people of African descent achieve their dreams. Thanks to all the donors who have made possible this philanthropic opportunity that now expands its reach to all of Puerto Rico,” they said in a written statement, Deborah Dunger-Massó y Rebecca Massó.
The Fund celebrates the life of Massó, writer and psychologist, and gives continuity to his work in Loíza, where he was a member of the initiative's Community Council. Boys & Men of Color of the Obama Foundation, promoted by the FCPR to encourage young people in Loíza to reach their full potential - Massó's participation joined other efforts to achieve equality and dignity for the Afro-descendant movement. The Fund was established in 2019 with an initial contribution from the FCPR Board of Directors and received the support of. Hispanics in Philanthropy y Marguerite Casey Foundation. It has been strengthened with the support of AMGEN Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation y Peter Alfond Foundation, Benny's friends, as well as members of Benny's Circle of Friends who have decided to support the perpetuity of his legacy and continue celebrating his life.
To donate to the Fund you can click on the DONATE button at www.fcpr.org and chose the name of the background.