“Beyond grateful” is how student Stephanie Olivares, a sophomore at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, described herself last week. Olivares is one of 25 students who each received a $2,000 scholarship from the Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation at their 15th anniversary scholarship celebration, held at the National Museum of Mexican Art recently. The central Illinois native told her college newspaper, The SIU-E Alestle that she hopes to use a Psychology degree to give back to her community: “I want to open my own practice to help minorities, especially with all the given circumstances arising with Trump’s presidency,” Olivares said.
That’s the kind of vision the scholarship was created to support, especially for students who need a helping hand, according to state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-44, who co-chairs the Foundation. “Financial barriers make obtaining higher education seem like an insurmountable challenge for too many students,” said Crespo. “That’s why, for the past 15 years, the ILLCF has given over 300 deserving students grants totaling over half a million dollars.” Support allows those selected to defray tuition and other education expenses so they can focus on what matters most—achieving their dreams. Funds for the grants come through the generosity of numerous sponsors in the community. Students apply through an open nomination process on the Foundation website, illcf.net.
2017 Scholarship Recipients:
Jordan Alcantar, Yadira Alonzo, María Aristeo, Morayna Barron, Judith Bernal, Rudy Calderon, Kristina Crespo, Deisy Diaz-Gonzalez, Jennifer Hernandez, Erik Macias, Alejandra Macias, Stephanie Olivares, Alfredo Palafox, Jesus Patino, Natalie Perez, Ludmila Pesce, Luis Ramirez, Carlos Rico, Adolfho Romero, Rosario Saldivar, Nicolas A. Santiago, Jazmin A. Torres, Crystal A. Urias, Pablo Valencia-Garcia and Anakaren Vital Garcia.
Photo Caption:
1) The 2017 Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation winners with emcee Stacy Baca.
2) Scholarship recipient Stephanie Olivares with Rep. Jaime Andrade.
