Rep. Cuellar Announces Nine Local Recipients of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 14, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Alexis Torres,
The U.S. Department of State awarded outstanding individuals with the opportunity to study abroad during the 2018-2019 academic year
Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced nine local recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. U.S. undergraduate students, who demonstrate financial need, are eligible to receive credit-bearing study or internships abroad. This scholarship allows academically outstanding individuals, from underserved backgrounds, gain skills essential for sustaining our nation’s national security and economic prosperity.
The U.S. Congress established the Gilman Program with the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 and continues to fund the program annually through appropriations to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). During the 2018-2019 academic year alone, 56 percent of scholars studied a language while abroad, 35 percent of scholars studied languages critical to national security, 32 percent of scholars specialized in STEM, 47 percent of scholars were first generation college students, and a total of 109 countries were visited.
“I am extremely proud of all the Gilman scholars, especially the nine undergraduate students in our district who were awarded through this program,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is a highly competitive scholarship and the demand for it shows just how much of an invaluable experience students’ obtain from studying abroad. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure that students who face high financial needs at the undergraduate level receive opportunities to enhance their international and cultural perspectives.”
Local Students Awarded Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
- Danielle Costly – Saint Mary’s University of San Antonio
- Michael Gardner – University of Texas at San Antonio
- Melissa Garza – University of Texas at Austin
- Blanca Gonzalez Baez – South Texas College
- Pedro Guzman – Texas A&M International University
- Aylin Montes De Oca – Saint Mary’s University of San Antonio
- Alexandra Salinas – University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
- Angelina Sauceda – University of Texas at Austin
- Jordy Velazquez – Texas A&M University, College Station
