In 2017, United Way Fresno and Madera Counties partnered with Martin Luther King Junior Middle School in Madera to develop the “It’s More Than a Backpack” program. Students wrote essays from seventh grade through their senior year of high school, in order to be eligible for a full tuition scholarship to Fresno State.
Students wrote about ways they live boldly and care for others. A total of 15 students met the requirements come their graduating year of high school. Of those 15, three were chosen to receive scholarships ranging from $10K to $40K, based on their financial need.
“We focused criteria on students who have overcome obstacles and who really were being courageous and bold in the work they were doing and the way they lived their lives,” says Lindsay Fox, United Way President and CEO.
Aixa Martinez came in first place for this award. She was born in Mexico and is the first one in her family to go to college. Her immigration status has always been an “obstacle”, according to Martinez. But the Live United Scholarship has no regulation regarding citizenship.
The other two scholarship winners are Evelyn Santiago-Sanchez and Evangelina Mejia. All three students will be studying in the medical field, with plans to build their careers at home in the Valley.