A new scholarship program is being launched to assist San Miguel County residents in continuing their education.
According to a news release from the Village of Pecos, the San Miguel County Scholarship Fund will award up to $500 to two eligible individuals each year. Individuals who have graduated from high school, are San Miguel County residents, and plan to pursue further education or certification possibilities during the 2024-25 school year are encouraged to apply.
The grant is sponsored by fees collected from Pecos DWI lessons.
“This is an initiative by the mayor of Pecos (Telesfor ‘Ted’ Benavidez) and also Latayah York of the Transportation Safety Foundation,” said Jaclyn K. Apodaca, a media contact for the Village of Pecos in a telephone interview.
Apodaca said the San Miguel County Scholarship Fund is for anyone who is “looking to better themselves through higher education,” so that it is not just for those pursuing a college degree. She said the scholarship application process includes having to answer the questions, “What are your future goals and aspirations?” and “What skills or traits have you learned that will help you reach those goals?”
“We do ask (applicants) to make their case,” Apodaca said. “We are looking for people who are interested in bettering themselves and bettering their community.”
Via the press release, Benavidez said he hopes that the scholarship helps “remove barriers to education for residents in our community.”
“We are excited to identify deserving individuals in our community and aid them in their educational and career aspirations,” Benavidez added.
Apodaca said that Benavidez and York are hoping that the scholarship bridges the gap many may face in funding their education.
“(Benavidez and York) are looking for the path of least resistance to get people equipped and ready,” Apodaca said.
Applications for the San Miguel County Scholarship Fund will begin to be accepted on Dec. 2. Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2024 at 5 p.m.
To learn more about the San Miguel County Scholarship and apply, visit https://transportationsafetyfoundation.com/scholarships/ or send an email to tsf.helpdesk2@gmail.com.