Latinos are one of the fastest growing segments of the US population. This is illustrated by the fact that today the United States is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world after Mexico.
Over the course of the last two decades, the Latino population in the state of Minnesota has also experienced unprecedented growth, with a significant portion coming from an influx of new immigrants from Mexico. This growth is even mirrored by the Latino student enrollment at Metropolitan State University.
For the fifth consecutive year, Metropolitan State University has been selected to participate in the IME-BECAS (Scholarship) Program sponsored by the Mexican Consulate’s Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) Fellowship Program.
The IME-BECAS Program is another important opportunity to serve Latino students of Mexican origin and ancestry who attend Metropolitan State University. In partnership with the Mexican Consulate, IME-BECAS is a scholarship program instrumental in alleviating some of the financial strains that impede students from accessing and pursuing their postsecondary education.
Awards of $1,200 scholarships are offered to degree-seeking undergraduate students of Mexican ancestry who are enrolled at Metropolitan State University.
Eligibility requirements for the (IME-BECAS) Scholarship:
- Must be currently enrolled for fall 2019 at the time of application as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at Metropolitan State University
- Must demonstrate financial need, however there is no requirement for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Must demonstrate Mexican origin/ancestry either through birth or family background (supporting evidence/identification document(s) will be required)
- Must be in good academic standing and have a minimum Total Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50
- Must attend IME-BECAS Award Ceremony
- Recipient must provide academic progress updates as specified in application
Application materials an process:
- Complete and submit the IME-BECAS application, available from the Dean of Students.
- Write an essay/personal statement in English (no more than three pages) describing financial need, academic goals, leadership interests, family background, and reasons applicant should receive this award
- Include current or most recent unofficial college transcript(s) from Metropolitan State University or transfer institution(s) for new, first time students enrolled
- Applications may be obtained at the Dean of Students office reception area (FH 228) or by emailing dean.students@metrostate.edu.
Submit completed application materials no later than noon, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019 to Maya Sullivan, Dean of Students and IME-BECAS Coordinator, IME-BECAS Program.