On May 23, the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation signed a historic memorandum of understanding to officially launch the IMME-Becas (Scholarships) Program.
The Instituto de Mexicanas y Mexicanos en el Exterior—Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IMME)—seeks to expand educational opportunities for Mexicans living abroad.
This binational initiative, supported by the government of Mexico, aims to expand access to higher education for students of Mexican origin living in New Mexico and Northwest Texas.
Through this partnership, the IMME-Becas Program will provide $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school graduates accepted into universities or community colleges.
The initiative is funded through seed money from the Mexican government and contributions from local donors and sponsors.
The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce will serve as fiscal agent, distributing funds directly to scholarship recipients.
“With this program, we reaffirm our commitment to Mexican youth living abroad by recognizing their efforts, honoring their identity and supporting their right to dream big,” said Patricia Pinzón, consul of Mexico in Albuquerque. “Our goal is to ensure that no Mexican student is left behind due to lack of financial support.”
Ernie C’deBaca, president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, also emphasized the importance of education for immigrant communities and the state of New Mexico.
“It’s really important that people recognize the need for education and the need that everybody needs to be educated, not just the chosen few. It’s great that immigrants could be educated in New Mexico, because they are a vital part of our economy,” C’deBaca said.
“We know they’re there. They’re very much needed in everything that we do to help in all kinds of aspects, not just some of the simple tasks. They are smart people who need the education to help them be successful, so that their community can be successful as well,” he added.
During the launch ceremony, the first sponsors of the IMME-Becas Fund were recognized:
- Abelardo & Omelia Villarreal Scholarship – Cesar Ornelas Law / Ornelas & Serna P.C.
- El Paisano Supermarkets Scholarship – Carlos André
- Trujillo Family Funeral Home Scholarship
To help support the IMME-Becas Program, the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque will host a Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night) fundraising event on Thursday, May 29.
Reserve your seat: https://shorturl.at/a76ga. For donations or more information: imealb03@sre.gob.mx. Phone: (505) 270-7009