#10/2021
For immediate release
Wednesday, August 11th, 2021
Press Release
Successful Second Edition of Colibri MX Scholarship Program
In its returning edition, the Colibri MX scholarship program for disadvantaged immigrants, a partnership between the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego and the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc (MAAC), will conclude successfully on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 with a virtual ceremony to celebrate the 84 awardees and their families.
The Consulate General of Mexico and MAAC will award 84 students for the second edition of the Colibri MX Scholarship Program, the largest scholarship fund in San Diego County specifically targeted to students of Mexican and/or Latin heritage. Winners of the scholarship were contacted directly on Monday, August 2, 2021 and will receive $1,000.00 USD each to support their first step into higher education. Eligible DACA students will receive an additional $500.00 USD.
A special awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 honoring 84 awardees, their families and community, with a keynote speech by County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and messages from Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Arnulfo Manríquez, President and CEO of MAAC, and Miguel Romero, VP of Energy Innovation for SDG&E/SEMPRA on behalf of this year’s sponsors and donors.
The essay section of the application was assessed by the Evaluation Committee, which included 43 members of the community, elected officials and public administrators as well as members of the private and non-profit sectors, who generously contributed with their time to support the cause of Latin education in our community. Based on their evaluations, the Steering Committee decided to grant the Colibri MX Scholarship to those individuals who complied with the requirements and whose scores made them eligible for the award.
Of the total number of awardees (84):
- More than a half (55%) identify themselves as females.
- Most awardees (70%) are first-generation college students.
- More than a half (60%) of the awardees live in households whose yearly income is under $50,000.00 USD.
- Approximately four out of five students will pursue their education in four-year term universities. One in five will attend community colleges in the area.
- Two fifths of awardees will be attending different campuses of Cal State University, the majority of whom will attend San Diego State University.
- Almost 30% of awardees will be attending different campuses of University of California System.
The Consulate General of Mexico and MAAC are particularly grateful to the dozens of corporations and individuals from both sides of the border who contributed to this effort. The fundraising campaign was triggered by a contribution of $20,000.00 USD from the Mexican government through the IME Becas program and leveraged with additional resources from community-based fundraising. The website will remain open for donations throughout the year https://www.maacproject.org/COLIBRIMX/.
For the second consecutive year, this program takes place in the midst of particularly challenging times and we are proud of this cohort’s resilience and determination. Actually, in its second year Colibri MX is already a catalyst for community networks to support our future Latinx leaders and build a healthier and more vibrant community in San Diego County and beyond. Special thanks are due to the community leaders who participated in the various committees and to the generous donors and sponsors who contributed to making this edition of this program a thorough success.
You can join the virtual award ceremony live via ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 899 9461 1161
Passcode: 583933
The Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego has the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of any Mexican national living in San Diego County. The Consulate also provides information and advising about the rights of Mexican nationals and connects them to specific resources. Visit https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/ for more information.
MAAC is the leading provider of comprehensive social services in San Diego County and works to create healthier and stronger communities by providing a space where individuals and families in need can find means to self-sufficiency through advocacy and access to high-quality programs in five key areas of focus: Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Education, Health & Wellbeing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Visit www.MAACproject.org for more information.
For information about the Colibri MX Scholarship, visit www.MAACproject.org/ColibriMX.