We are pleased to announce that Mamás Unidas LR is offering scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. These scholarships are available for high school seniors and current college students. The application will be open from March 1 to March 15.
We are also very excited to have more scholarships available this year thanks to our partnerships with Seis Puentes, Insurance Consulting Agency, Inc. and Friends of Mamás Unidas. Their collaboration allows us to support more students on their journey to higher education.
Scholarships Available:
Mamás Unidas LR Scholarships
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Incoming and current college students are eligible.
Insurance Consulting Agency, Inc. Partnership (1 Scholarship)
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Incoming and current college students are eligible.
Seis Puentes Partnership (1 Scholarship)
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1 for an incoming college student (renewable for up to 3 additional years, for a total of 4 years of support)
Manos al Futuro – Arkansas Skilled Trades Scholarship (1 Scholarship)
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Supported by friends of Mamás Unidas LR for one eligible Central Arkansas student pursuing an accredited skilled trades certificate or associate degree program in Arkansas. Funds may be used for tuition, tools, transportation, program materials, and basic living expenses. The scholarship is renewable.
General Eligibility & Requirements:
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Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
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Bilingual (Spanish/English)
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Financial need
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Community service
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U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, DACA, or Undocumented
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Graduate from a Central Arkansas high school
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Must show proof of college enrollment if awarded the scholarship
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Priority will be given to students who:
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Have received assistance from Mamás Unidas LR and/or
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Are graduating from a local high school and/or planning to enroll in a local graduate program
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Specific Requirements if Awarded the Scholarship:
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Mamás Unidas LR - Attend at least one (1) Mamás Unidas LR event
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Seis Puentes - Participate in Seis Puentes’ Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival
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To apply for the scholarship, please complete the following steps:
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Complete this application including:
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An essay (maximum 300 words) describing your academic goals and how this scholarship will help you achieve them (in English)
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Provide your most recent semester transcript (it does not have to be official)
The application deadline is March 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications without a transcript submitted by deadline are considered incomplete.
Questions? email us at info@mamasunidaslr.org
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Alejandra Alvarez
University of Central Arkansas
A graduate of UACC Morrilton, this first-generation student maintains a 3.9 GPA and serves as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa. Inspired by her grandmother, who ran a small business in Mexico with resilience and faith, Alejandra dreams of opening a space that brings the Hispanic community together—offering not just food, but also peace, purpose, and a sense of belonging. She has shown her commitment to service through volunteering at community events like El Grito and Mamás Unidas LR, as well as tutoring fellow college students. She is currently attending the University of Central Arkansas, pursuing a degree in Business Management with the goal of honoring her culture and continuing the legacy of strong women in her family.
Darlene Varela
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
A graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy, Class of 2025, this student has demonstrated strong leadership, community commitment, and academic achievement with a 3.79 GPA. As president of Belle Ambassadors and the Spanish Club, she promoted diversity and supported Spanish-speaking families, while also organizing cultural activities. She participated in Varsity Cheer, the Student Athletic Training program, and volunteered with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Arkansas Food Bank. This fall, she will attend the University of Arkansas to study Biology, with the goal of becoming a bilingual medical professional serving her community.
Angel Martinez Gutierrez
Amherst College
A graduate of Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School, Class of 2025, this student maintains a 4.26 GPA while balancing academic excellence with leadership as Color Guard Captain and first flutist in his school band. Inspired by the loss of his grandmother due to lack of healthcare in Jalisco, Mexico, Angel dreams of working at the CDC to expand healthcare access in underserved communities. As a member of the first cohort of the Mijo Program at Mamás Unidas LR, he strengthened his academic and leadership skills while volunteering at multiple community events. This fall, he will attend Amherst College to study Biochemistry, taking his first step toward transforming the healthcare system so no family faces barriers to care.
Pamela Tlapa
University of Central Arkansas
A graduate of Benton High School, Class of 2025, this first-generation student maintains a 4.125 GPA and combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to community service. As a section leader in her school band and a member of the National Honor Society, Pamela has united her passion for music with extensive volunteer work, including food banks, school programs, community events, and church activities. The daughter of an immigrant family, she has overcome language barriers and anxiety to reach her academic goals. This fall, she will attend the University of Central Arkansas to study Biology, with plans to pursue medicine and serve her community through healthcare.
Mia Farfan Martinez
Boston College
A graduate of Conway High School, Class of 2025, this first-generation student maintains a 4.0 GPA and has demonstrated leadership as HOSA president, a member of the first Mijo Program cohort, and an active participant in multiple student organizations. She has served her community through projects in health, education, and culture. This fall, she will attend Boston College to study Biology, with the dream of entering the medical field and continuing her education beyond college. She recognizes Mamás Unidas LR as a key part of her journey, guiding her through the college process and equipping her with the tools to achieve her goals.
Wendy Victoriano
University of Central Arkansas
A student at UCA, this first-generation student maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pre-Speech Language Pathology, and Spanish. Passionate about becoming a bilingual speech-language pathologist serving underrepresented Hispanic communities, she is active in organizations such as NSSLHA, LULAC, and the Latino Student Association. She combines strong academics with extensive community service.. Her goal is to return to her community as a professional and advocate, helping families overcome language and access barriers.
Scholarship in collaboration with Amigos Pediatric Therapy Services.
Blanca Ramirez
UAMS
A graduate of Lonoke High School, Class of 2019, this graduate student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences maintains a 3.66 GPA while pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her goal is to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist and open her own clinic to serve diverse communities with limited access to care. As the founder of the first Latina sorority at UALR, she has demonstrated leadership in creating safe cultural spaces. Her motivation stems from personal experiences, including helping her cousin find his voice, as well as her faith and commitment to service. She aspires to provide care in both English and Spanish, building bridges of communication and trust for families most in need.
Scholarship in collaboration with Amigos Pediatric Therapy Services.
Claudia Diaz
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Tech
A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Class of 2025, this first-generation immigrant student maintains a 3.8 GPA and has pursued her dream of becoming an architect since childhood. She has demonstrated leadership and dedication in technical and construction projects, competing in events such as SkillsUSA, where she earned a silver medal in Carpentry Display. This fall, she will attend the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College to study Architecture, viewing education as a way to honor her mother’s hard work and to inspire other Hispanic youth to believe that, with perseverance, it is possible to build a better future.
Scholarship in collaboration with Seis Puentes.
Janet Reyes
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
A graduate of Benton High School, Class of 2024, Janet Reyes is a first-generation student ranking in the top 3% of her class. Passionate about medicine and problem-solving, she will study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas as preparation for medical school, with interests in anesthesiology or dermatology. The daughter of immigrants from El Salvador, Janet is determined to honor her parents’ sacrifices, and this scholarship will help her pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
Scholarship in collaboration with Seis Puentes.
