Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On August 16th and 17th, Becas Vallarta volunteers handed out $900,000 pesos in scholarship awards to middle school, high school and college students at Los Mangos Library. According to the President of the Civic Association, Mariel Fregoso, 409 young people from various institutions were benefited.

Under the slogan "Changing Lives through Education" Becas Vallarta has sponsored thousands of young Vallartenses through junior high, high school, university, and even medical school, for over 50 years.

Even with the support of the foreign community living in our city, Vallartenses, sponsors and donors, this task has become harder than ever. The funds come mostly from fundraising events that take place during the year, along with funding from government agencies, the Eagle Wings Foundation and the America-Mexico Foundation.

Since Mariel Fregoso became president of the non-profit organization 10 years ago, the number of scholarship students has increased to 409. The scholarship funds are given to students every six months, with the first delivery in February and the second in August.

At the August meeting all junior high scholarship students received certificates (in lieu of cash) to take to local stores to buy their school shoes, uniforms, gym clothes and tennis shoes. At this meeting they were also given all of the school supplies needed for the year -paper, pencils, pens, dictionaries, calculators, notebooks and more.

In order to qualify for a scholarship a student must live and attend public schools in the Puerto Vallarta area, show real financial need (which is verified by the schools they are attending,) maintain a grade point average of 8.5 (of a possible 10), attend required meetings with the foundation members, be good citizens in the school and community, and help with foundation functions when asked. But once a student has earned a scholarship, the foundation pledges to continue financial aid until the educational goal is met as long as she or he continues to fulfill the prescribed obligations.

Becas' main objective is to support disadvantaged youth who attend public schools in Puerto Vallarta. These scholarships change students' lives, and thanks to this educational support, many of them are now successful professionals.

The willingness of the Mexicans, Canadians, Americans and Vallartenses who are committed to this work encourages us to keep going. The support of all who have helped us with Becas Vallarta for over 50 years is the engine that drives this initiative; we invite everyone who wants to help these young people acheive their goals to work with us and be part of the dream.

Translated and edited by María Francesca for BanderasNews.com.