By Patricia O’Dell

The Mexican Consulate is partnering with UMKC Foundation to offer scholarships to students of Mexican origin through the IME Becas program. The program is funded by the Mexican government to assist students of Mexican origin abroad. Eight high-need UMKC students will each receive $2,000 in aid with preference being given to first generation college students. Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status will also be considered for funding.

These scholarships are often critical to student success. UMKC has a vibrant Hispanic community and awards more than 300 Hispanic students some form of institutional scholarships. The university’s Avanzando Program was developed to support the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund scholarship recipents and Agapito Mendoza Scholarship awardees with individualized support in reaching their academic and career goals. The Avanzando Program will be available to IME Becas scholarship recipents as well.

Marjorie Datwyler, assistant director of the Avanzando Program and project leader for the UMKC Multicultural Affairs Department, sees first-hand the need for support of first-time college attendees.

“Most of these students work full-time to help support their families while attending school full-time.  They do not take getting an education for granted.  They are committed to making the most of this opportunity, not just for themselves but to make a difference for their families and our community. DACA students are ineligible for federal and state financial aid so this scholarship helps ease the burden of financing their education,” says Datwyler.

“Most of these students work full-time to help support their families while attending school full-time.  They do not take getting an education for granted.  They are committed to making the most of this opportunity, not just for themselves but to make a difference for their families and our community. DACA students are ineligible for federal and state financial aid so this scholarship helps ease the burden of financing their education,” says Datwyler.

Students interested in applying for IME Becas Scholarships should contact the UMKC Financial Aid office.