30
Mar
2021
Five BBCC TRiO Upward Bound students named Dell Scholars
Five BBCC TRiO Upward Bound students named Dell Scholars
MOSES LAKE — Five TRiO Upward Bound students have recently been awarded $20,000 scholarships through the Dell Scholars Program.
Anna Gonzalez, Othello High School; Ishmael Lagunes-Ponce, Royal High School, Elizabeth Main, Royal High School; Maribel Ortega-Ramirez, Royal High School and Marcy Paxtian-Ramirez, Royal High School; are five out of only 500 students selected nationwide. In addition to the $20,000 scholarship, all Dell Scholars will also receive ongoing tutoring and direct support for academic, financial and emotional challenges; a laptop and textbook credits.
“I couldn’t be more proud of BBCC TRiO Upward Bound’s 2021 Dell Scholars,” said Big Bend TRiO Upward Bound Director Anita DeLeon. “Only 500 students in the nation earn this prestigious award, so to learn that five of our students were selected was a complete honor.”
The Dell Scholars Program, run by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, is a scholarship and college-completion program that nurtures and empowers students on their path to a college degree. The program specifically recognizes students who have demonstrated grit, potential, and ambition and those who have overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of their education.
“Each of these students have been active participants in TRiO Upward Bound and the Running Start program. They have all faced adversities throughout their educational journeys such as having to work while attending college and taking on additional responsibilities within their households,” said DeLeon. “I have witnessed these students giving 100 percent effort in preparing for college and taking the process seriously. These students could not be more deserving of this national award and are proof that hard work and dedication pays off.”
The Dell Scholars Program is in its 17th year, and to date, has supported nearly 5,000 students across the country. Eighty percent of Dell Scholars have graduated with their bachelor’s degree within six years, compared to only 20 percent for similar students.