Scholarships for Oregon Latinos (S.O.L.)
George Puentes, Jr., Memorial Scholarship
Background
In December of 1994, six community members, Hon. Joseph V. Ochoa,
George Puentes Sr., Lydia Muñiz, Michael Muñiz, Ricardo
Baez, and Daniel P. Santos, came together and decided to start Scholarships
for Oregon Latinos in memory of George Puentes Jr. George was a
young man whose life exemplified his commitment to educational excellence.
He was a first year law student at Willamette University in Salem,
at the time of his death.
Mission
To provide educational opportunities at Chemeketa Community College
for Hispanic/Latino students so that they can become contributing
members of society and leaders in their communities.
What Does S.O.L. Provide?
Scholarships are awarded to cover up to 45 units of credit and up
to $600.00 for books and fees that are spread evenly throughout
the academic year. The Chemeketa Community College Foundation will
disburse award money.
Approved Majors
The S.O.L.
Scholarship is available to students pursuing a 4-year degree in:
business, education, science, engineering, math, law, medicine,
computer science, nursing, EMT or journalism.
Selection Criteria
Applicants must be Hispanic/Latino and be bilingual in Spanish/English.
Additionally, the quality of the applicant’s personal statement
or career goals, perceived aptitude for success, and financial need
are important in the selection process.
Students must have a minimum of 3 years residence within the Chemeketa
Community College district.
Along with this application, the selection committee requires:
- Your (or your parents’/guardians’) most recent tax return
- Your current résumé
- Proof of US citizenship or legal residence
- Your high school and/or college transcripts
- Copy of your placement test scores from Chemeketa Community College
- Three letters of reference (do not use relatives) written within the last 90 days.
Applicant will agree to discuss goals and how you plan to utilize
your education in advancing the interests of the Latino community.
Student will advise the Scholarships for Oregon Latinos Committee
(SOL) of his/her academic and career progress after completing studies
at Chemeketa. Student will also agree to complete 50 hours of service
to the community or civic organizations approved by SOL during the
three-term period that the scholarship is in effect.
The scholarship may be renewed for the same amount for a second
year. This is contingent upon the student completing all program
requirements and earning a minimum 3.0 G.P.A and given the continuation
of the program by S.O.L.
Applicant agrees to pursue other scholarships or financial assistance available, and if awarded, the George Puentes Jr. Memorial Scholarship will act as a supplement.
“ I would like to thank the SOL committee for awarding me
a second year award to attend Chemeketa Community College. I have
always wanted to attend college, and thanks to the SOL Scholarship,
I am able to attend.”
- Alicia Garcia
Current SOL Recipient
“ Thank you so much for helping me pursue my life’s dream.
A dream that I know is not too far away, and thanks to people like
you, I will finish what I started.”
- George Colunga
Current SOL Recipient
“ SOL was a vital part in my educational success. My mentors
played a major role in ensuring my success. They took a genuine
interest in me and made sure that I always continued to reach for
my goals. I did, and I am now a graduate of University of Portland.
Thank you to all the contributors who helped give me a good start”
- Linnea Moralez
Bachelor of Science, B.A.
Marketing/Management
“Success begets success. We owe our success to the many contributions
of our supporters. Thank you for your investment and your trust.”
- SOL Members
SOL Committee Members:
Ricardo Baez, Eden Rose Brown, Sallee Dyer, Gloria English, Lydia
Muñiz, Michael Muñiz, George Puentes Sr., Stephanie
Puentes, Daniel P. Santos, Sam Skillern and Ted Urton
SOL reserves the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time including termination of the program.
For additional information, contact John Hawkins, executive director, at 503.399.7711 or Otilia Morales, Foundation Scholarship Coordinator, at 503.399.6990.
Updated October 2006 by the College Advancement Department.