Buddy Program Awards Youth with Continuing Education Scholarships

This year, the Buddy Program awarded a total of $33,000 to 14 highly deserving, graduating students to support their continuing education.  Awards ranged from $1,000 to $4,000.  Recipients will use their award to cover the cost of tuition, books, and equipment and course fees for continuing education at two year and four year colleges.  To illustrate the breadth and depth of support this scholarship will provide, here are remarks from two of our recipients:

Consuelo G. 

Consuelo G. is a 17-year old high school senior enrolled at Glenwood Springs High School.  Her family has faced poverty, chronic unemployment, mental health complications and legal issues.  Throughout it all, Consuelo's parents never wavered on their desire to see their three girls succeed where they, the parents, had not.  They continuously supported their daughters in their academic pursuits.

While in middle school, Consuelo observed the positive changes her older sister Ana had experienced after taking part in the Buddy Program's Latino Youth Camp (LYC), "I wanted to be as successful as my sister.  I couldn't wait for my turn to go to Latino Youth Camp."  Two years ago, Consuelo attended her first LYC as a shy girl with barely a voice.  In the last 2 years, Consuelo has matured into a very well-rounded, compassionate, helpful, and charming young woman.  She is set to graduate this year and is planning to attend CMC, just like Ana. 

When told that she had received a Buddy Program scholarship, Consuelo she was brought to tears.  Her parents reacted with immense pride.  We look forward to supporting Consuelo as she embarks on her college career, after all, we plan to be there the next time she walks across a stage to proudly receive her college degree.

Daniel M.

Another remarkable student, Daniel M., has had a Big Buddy for 8 years and became a Peer-to-Peer Big Buddy himself while at Aspen High School.  According to Daniel, "when so many people say that you won't amount to anything, you won't make it, you won't succeed, you start to believe them. But a Big Buddy will stand behind you, guarding you through life's hardships.  My Buddy, Anson, embraced my flaws, accepted me for who I am, and told me to 'never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever give up!'"

"I thank Anson for being the truest friend a person could ever ask for and I express my deep gratitude to the Buddy Program for granting me a college scholarship.  Without the scholarship, it may have been difficult for my family to meet the financial obligations.  It means a lot to know that my hard work has shown you that I am a dedicated student and I deserve a chance."

These stories illustrate the need to maintain a source of financial support for our young folks who are destined to become the next leaders of our country.  The Buddy Program remains strongly committed to raising funds for its continuing education scholarship.