Lucy Ramirez University Scholarship
When several scholarship students graduated from high school in 2002, SOL began a university scholarship program with 4 Salvadoran students: Gerardo Martinez, Lucy Ramirez, Roque Murcia and Tito Murcia. Granting them full scholarships for 5 years of University.
SOL staff worked closely with each student to tailor an award for each one based on SOL’s budget and the student’s actual costs. The scholarships cover some or all of their tuition, materials, photocopies, food, transportation and housing. Each month, the students meet with SOL staff to discuss accomplishments and difficulties in their studies. They hiked up El Pital, the highest peak in El Salvador, together as a team-building exercise.
In August 2002, Lucy Ramirez was killed in an accident on the way to a soccer match she had organized. SOL felt a deep loss and recognizing her deep commitment to improve the lives of the people in her community, and her love of life itself, we renamed the university scholarship program in her honor.
The program continues with the remaining three students, who have each benefited greatly from their first three years of university. Gerardo says studying computer science has encouraged personal, academic and professional development in his life, and has changed his way of thinking. Roque writes, “after much reading, interpreting and analyzing different documents and doing research projects and presentations, I have more certainty that the course I study—judicial science—is the most dignified.” Tito, who is a communication major, thinks of studying as “learning for life.” He writes, “may we study for the pleasure of feeling more ownership of our own disposition.” Tito, Roque and Gerardo are just about to begin their fourth year of University. They continue to plan community events and participate in SOL activities.