$3.8 million in scholarships awarded at 2010 Hispanic Youth Symposium

Regional colleges and universities awarded scholarships to nearly 190 students from across Idaho at the 2010 Hispanic Youth Symposium held in Sun Valley this month.

This year, the Hispanic Youth Symposium brought some 300 Idaho Latino high school students together for a weekend of motivational speakers and interactive workshops. Students also participated in speech, talent, art, and athletic and interactive skill contests.

The symposium targets the important themes of school dropout prevention, continuing education, taking pride in Latino culture and breaking the cycle of poverty. Through the symposium, students learn that nothing is impossible because they have the power to shape their own futures.

During the annual meeting, students were awarded more than $3.8 million in scholarships!

Sofia Jaramillo of Boise High School was awarded the $2,500 Natalie Lupe Reyes Memorial Scholarship, given to the outstanding female student of the symposium. She also received a $32,800 scholarship to College of Idaho and a $1,000 GSDI scholarship for second place in the art competition.

Rigoberto Zaragoza of Columbia High School was awarded the $2,500 Frank Gamboa Sanchez Memorial Scholarship, given to the outstanding male student of the symposium.

The symposium was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, contractors at Idaho National Laboratory, Gem State Diversity Initiatives, state agencies and private employers. Educational institutions awarding scholarships were: Boise State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Eastern Idaho Technical College, Gonzaga University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, University of Montana, Utah State University and Treasure Valley Community College. Several schools also offered College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) scholarships. In addition, Gem State Diversity Initiatives (GSDI) awarded scholarships for all competitive events as well as to students showing promise -- $1,000 to seniors (Si Se Puede) and $500 to juniors (Querer Es Poder).

Learn more about the 2010 Hispanic Youth Symposium.

~ Melissa M.