Mexican Consulate, CCA Partner for $9,000 Grant to help Mexican National Students Attend College

Aurora, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora, the CCA Foundation and the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver are partnering once again to support Mexican nationals studying in the U.S., and students of Mexican descent in their pursuit of a college education. Last month the Consulate General awarded $9,000 to CCA in support of the school’s DREAM Scholarship.

This is the sixth consecutive year the consulate has partnered with CCA through the Mexican government’s IME-Becas program. CCA leaders and Consulate General of Mexico, Pável Meléndez Cruz were on hand for the signing of a memorandum of understanding, and the presentation of a ceremonial check.

CCA President, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee said, “The Community College of Aurora is grateful for the continued trust and partnership of the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver. Over the past six years, our partnership has led to a total of $85,000 dollars being invested into the academic journeys of 53 Mexican national students attending CCA. Such an investment absolutely is life-changing.” 

This contribution will support 12 CCA students, with each student receiving a $750 scholarship for the fall. The CCA Foundation will then match this amount, providing another $750 in the spring. The foundation will also match the grant through another $9,000 in scholarships to students of Mexican descent, which will be awarded through the Aurora Gives scholarship.

The goal of the DREAM Scholarship is to facilitate increased retention for students who do not have access to federal financial aid, and as a result, are particularly vulnerable to education and economic disruptions. 

The Consulate General of Mexico, Pavel Melendez Cruz said, “The importance of these scholarships for students transcends the academic field. Thanks to them, students have greater peace of mind and can concentrate on what is really important, their studies.”

CCA became a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2016. Only 17% of all colleges and universities in the U.S are HSIs. In order to receive this designation a college must have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that are at least 25% Hispanic students.

“We are thankful to the Mexican Consulate and the IME BECAS Scholarship funding for the continued support of our students” said Dr. Angela Marquez CCA’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “With our commitment to match the funding, students of Mexican descent are able to afford the coursework they need to meet their academic and career goals.”

CCA retains nearly 65% of Hispanic students each year which is 9% higher than the rate for white students. CCA is recognized as the leader in the Colorado community college system for closing the gap between Hispanic and white students for closing the college completion gap.

“The biggest needs for Hispanic students at CCA are financial support, academic and career advising, and mentorship,” Executive Director of the CCA Foundation, John Wolfkill said. “Since 2016, 85% of CCA Foundation’s scholarship recipients – within two years of receiving their first scholarship – completed their credential, transferred to a four year university, or were still enrolled at CCA.” 

To view photos of the MOU signing, and ceremonial check presentation, click HERE.