Helios Education Foundation and Yuma Union High School District announced six recipients of the annual Ready Now Yuma Scholarship this week.
The scholarship is worth up to $15,000 each year and is renewable up to three additional years and is part of Helios’ more than $3 million investment over 10 years in YUHSD students through the scholarship program.
“Helios Education Foundation is honored to provide scholarships to these deserving students,” said Grace Smith Kaus, Director, Postsecondary Success Initiatives for Helios Education Foundation. “These students have a bright future ahead of them and Helios is proud to help support their success, at this pivotal time.”
Students were given an oversized check and balloons by their school counselor and principal as part of a surprise presentation on campus.
“My mind is blown,” said San Luis High School senior Karina Esquer, who will attend Emory University in Georgia this fall. “Thank you so much. This literally means the world.”
The Ready Now Yuma Scholars program supports seniors with financial need attending an accredited post-secondary institution and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and pursuing a 4-year degree. This scholarship is renewable if students are in good standing and maintain the required GPA.
More than 70 qualified applicants were considered by Helios and the Arizona Community Foundation.
Here are this year’s recipients, their high school, and what college or university they plan to attend:
Citlaly Salinas Garcia, Cibola High School, University of California
Isabella Gonzalez-Serna, Gila Ridge High School, Northern Arizona University
Isaac Navarrete, Kofa High School, Northern Arizona University
Karina Esquer, San Luis High School, Emory University
Michelle Medina, Vista High School, Mesa Community College
Fernando Nunez-Dominguez, Yuma High School, Arizona State University
More about Ready Now Yuma:
Ready Now Yuma is a unique, student-centered initiative of YUHSD and Helios Education Foundation with the goals of: Graduating every YUHSD student prepared to succeed in college and career; Embedding a high expectations, college-going culture within the district; and Increasing the number of students entering and succeeding in postsecondary education including career and technical education, community college, and university.
The initiative provides YUHSD students with a rigorous, high-expectations program of study within a college-going environment. Regardless of past academic performance or post-high school aspirations, Ready Now Yuma is designed to challenge and support every student on the path to college, career, and community readiness.
