PDF version of the press release
San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 20, 2020 | The Puerto Rico Community Foundation (FCPR) announced today the opening of the call for scholarships for students pursuing a professional career in agriculture or pedagogy whose residence is in the towns of Jayuya and Utuado. The financial aid opportunity is possible thanks to the Gualasia Scholarship Fund administered by the FCPR.
The application deadline is Friday, May 29, 2020. Requirements for the scholarship that provides supplemental financial aid include: demonstrated financial need, satisfactory academic achievement, leadership and interest in community development on the island. In the case of agriculture, studies, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, must be related to agricultural sciences, agronomy, agricultural genetics, biotechnology or other related disciplines. On the other hand, student teachers must have a STEM focus.
To start the process, visit www.fcpr.org. From the menu, click Apply; then look for the Gualasia Scholarship Fund link and follow the instructions.
“We want the students to know that they are not alone, that there are Puerto Rican families committed to their future even in the midst of the pandemic we face because of COVID-19. Our family is very proud of our scholarship recipients who have found relief in the scholarship, because we know that they are an essential part of the future of Puerto Rico and the world. We want them to aspire to greatness. Trust that their effort, dedication and sacrifice are not in vain, they do not go unnoticed and that at the end of the day they will be rewarded,” he said. Nanette Rodriguez, The philanthropic fund honors the memory of Gualberto and Asia Rodriguez, a married couple from Jayuya.
«Our grandparents had a very clear vision of the importance of agriculture and education in the development of our country. We are proud to be able to spread their legacy by supporting students of agriculture and STEM education through the Gualasia Foundation,» added Mónica Rodríguez, another of the couple's granddaughters.
The Fund has awarded eight scholarships to five students since 2017, for a total of $44,000.
“Since the 1990s, the Fundación Comunitaria has contributed to the development of Puerto Rico's human capital through its scholarship program, allowing students to concentrate on their studies without fear of having to drop out due to lack of economic resources. Now, in the midst of the challenges and uncertainty we face due to the coronavirus, this type of philanthropic support becomes essential so that they can continue to move forward,” he said. Mary Ann Gabino, FCPR senior vice president.
The FCPR has historically awarded over 2,300 scholarships to approximately 2,000 students, mostly at the post-secondary level, for a total of over $4.4 million.
About the Puerto Rico Community Foundation |A nonprofit entity that for 34 years has advised individuals, families, corporations and foundations on and off the island on how to channel their philanthropic concerns. The advisory seeks to ensure that donors' contributions have an impact on the self-development of Puerto Ricans. In addition, FCPR's strategic plan promotes equitable and sustainable access to clean water, renewable energy, housing, economic development and education. The FCPR is the first foundation of its kind in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and today the only one in Puerto Rico.