Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Becas Vallarta is kicking off the new year with the first delivery of scholarships, which will distribute $786,000 pesos amongst 252 and high school and college students for the first cycle of the 2015 school year.

The event will be held on February 7th at Los Mangos Library, with Mariel Fregoso, the President of the Civil Association, along with organization volunteers and Ms. Elizabeth Castro, a representative of IJAS Puerto Vallarta, handing out the scholarships.

In this installment, each of the 128 school students will be awarded a check for $2,750 pesos and the 124 college students will each receive $3,500 pesos, for a total of $786,000 pesos to be distributed.

Changing Lives through Education

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. The scholarships are provided semiannually, once in February and again in August.

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 school and the community, and help with foundation functions. 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.

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

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 achieve their goals to work with us and be part of the dream.

Translated and edited by María Francesca for BanderasNews.com.