Each year The Martinez Foundation offers undergraduate scholarships to students of color interested in education-based careers. Scholarships are given to students at the University of Washington and Washington State University who show high potential in becoming teachers.

The Martinez Foundation scholarships make post-secondary education a reality for bright, passionate young men and women who would otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing a college degree.

2009 Scholars

Veronica Balansay

The University of Washington

Veronica, originally from Tacoma, will be enrolling in the college of education at the University of Washington. Her students, she says, are her number-one motivation. As a tutor in Bryant Elementary, and a teacher in rural Costa Rica, Veronica saw the impact that enthusiastic leadership can have on students and committed herself to pursuing a life of teaching. Veronica also wants to bring lessons on diversity into the classroom: “As an underrepresented woman of color in the field of education” Veronica wants to impress an important message on students: “they should be proud of who they are.”

“This scholarship” says Veronica, “is a reminder that I am doing the right thing, and my heart is in the right place.”

Victor Hugo Cantero

The University of Washington

Originally from Walla Walla, Victor worked on a farm from the age of 13. “I have learned to value hard… labor, and this has pushed me to set high goals for myself.” Victor challenged himself to take advanced classes in high school, without tutors or assistance, to ensure he would attain a University-level education. While he learned to independently make difficult choices, he notes the struggles of his peers: “I believe that a major cause of racial inequality is a result of education.

To achieve equality, students need to feel like they belong in the classroom and be given high expectations… minority students need to see a diverse classroom, including teachers.” Victor hopes to be a mentor to Hispanic youth throughout their educational careers, and he plans to incorporate messages regarding the importance of health and education into his classroom lessons.

Jessica Cantu

The University of Washington

Originally from Steilacoom, Washington, Jessica has chosen to major in History and minor in Education. She has placed an emphasis on forming an interdisciplinary background that combines lessons on diversity with history and current events: “I have come to believe it’s vital to know and understand history in order to better understand why we live the way we do today.”

Jessica believes that the classroom is a place where students develop a sense of who they are and what they can accomplish. She also believes that teachers must be prepared to handle a classroom of students from diverse backgrounds, and she plans to hone these skills in the College of Education. She believes this preparation will equip her to “instill in children a sense of hope and potential…I hope to create a love of learning and knowledge in my future students.”

Nuvia Chavez

The University of Washington

Originally from Yakima, Nuvia was exposed to the hardships facing immigrant families while volunteering as a translator and teaching assistant at the Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center. Nuvia also volunteered with elementary school students from tribal communities in Toppenish and Harrah, WA. “When I volunteer in rural communities, I feel a strong ambition to connect with those students because I can relate to them,” states Nuvia.

As a scholarship recipient, Nuvia is most excited about the opportunity to intervene in the lives of at-risk students.  She has drawn inspiration from both her academic and personal experiences: “I think that inspiration is endless; how my parents make a living inspires me. High school students that want to drop out inspire me to do something about it.” Nuvia plans to use her Spanish language skills to listen to and advise students in need, as a future teacher.

Arthur Sepulveda

The University of Washington

Originally from Lynnwood, WA, Arthur discovered his passion for teaching while volunteering and shadowing teachers in public high schools in Ingraham and Ballard, WA. He took this interest a step further by contributing research to Proyecto Acceso, a study conducted by University of Washington Professor Francis Contreras on learning opportunities available to Latino students.  “This research gave me a better understanding of the issues facing Latino students, parents, and teachers,” says Sepulveda.

Arthur is drawn to the College of Education by both the Masters in Teaching program and the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. He believes that a background in policy can complement the direct impact he has in the classroom. Inspired by Professor Contreras’ work, Arthur is driven to “better the education system… so Latinos can have equal opportunities to succeed and gain higher education.”