BECA Foundation to award Latino scholarships

By: DANIELLE CADIEUX - Staff Writer | Monday, July 11, 2005 9:25 PM PDT ∞

SAN MARCOS ---- After watching his mother battle with breast cancer, 18-year-old Jeffrey Reynoso of Escondido was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field.

"When I would go to the doctors' visits with her I would see how they would help her and I knew that was something I wanted to do for other people," said Reynoso.

The 2005 Orange Glen High School graduate's dream will be made a little easier with the help of the nonprofit Latino scholarship organization, BECA, which will be awarding him with an annual $1,000 scholarship for four years.

Reynoso will attend UCLA in the fall to begin his education in medicine. He said he is considering specializing in microbiology, although he is leaving his options open for aspects of the medical field that he might discover. The scholarship, along with others he has received, will help pay for his expenses while attending school.

"I'm excited because now I don't have to have a job during my first year of school," said Reynoso. "Now I can dedicate my free time to volunteering to build my application for medical school later on."

Reynoso is one of 44 San Diego County students who will receive a total of $57,000 in scholarship money from BECA during an awards dinner at Cal State San Marcos on Saturday.

The BECA Foundation works with Latino students in the community to encourage higher education by providing them with financial assistance and guidance. "We want to give them some encouragement and support," said BECA operations manager, Ana Garcia.

Students who seek out guidance through the organization are matched with mentors who are experienced in the student's particular area of study. According to Garcia, BECA receives letters and phone calls from across the United States and the world. Even though they only work with students from local areas, Garcia said she is able to recommend them to similar organizations in their area.

The 21st annual award dinner will take place at the M. Gordon Clarke Field House at Cal State San Marcos. Sylvia Mendoza, author of "The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success," will speak and a presentation will be held introducing all of the student recipients.

Applications for scholarships are sent out to local high schools and colleges for students to fill out. After BECA reviews the applications and interviews each student, the recipients are chosen. Medical and general scholarships are available for various amounts to high school seniors and students continuing their college education.

For scholarship applications or information about volunteering or donating visit the BECA Foundation Web site at www.becafoundation.org.