2022 Scholarship Winners
2022 Javier Bardales Huaripata Scholarship Winners
When I launched the Peruvians of USA Scholarship Program - with the first scholarship in memory of my maternal grandfather – my objective was not only to contribute to the education of the future leaders and innovators in the Peruvian diaspora but to also foster community stewardship across generations. I wanted those further in their educational and professional journey to invest in and lift the younger generations – to serve as a beacon of possibility.
On July 28, 2021, Peruvians of USA announced the Peruvians of USA Scholarship Program – as part of Peru’s Bicentenary celebration. On September 15, 2021, the scholarship application opened to eligible undergraduate students, and on November 2021, Peruvians of USA partnered with Fundacion Puro Peru to expand its reach, ensuring more students learned about this opportunity.
Peruvians of USA formed a scholarship committee with Peruvian professionals across various fields and across the U.S. The committee was as diverse as the students applying for the scholarship, using a blind selection process where committee members did not have access to names or locations and scored each application according to a rubric. The top candidates were asked to interview with at least one committee member.
When the top two candidates were tied, something incredible happened. As the committee debated which candidate should be awarded the scholarship, each committee member started to pledge funds to add a second scholarship so that BOTH incredibly qualified applicants win. We tapped into our community and received overwhelming support.
It’s with great pride, gratitude, and humility that I share the winners of the 2022 Peruvians of USA Javier Bardales Huaripata Scholarship, Nayeli Contreras from the University of Connecticut, and Carla Adrianna Luna from the University of Pennsylvania.
Nayeli & Adrianna – we believe in you – now & in the future. We are invested in you. We are encouraged by your dreams. Congratulations! Thank you for being the first winners of (what may be) the first national scholarship for Peruvian American students. We know you will make your community proud. Valen un Peru!