Central Coast organization MICOP extends scholarship opportunity to Santa Barbara County indigenous students

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Central Coast organization MICOP is offering scholarships to indigenous Mexican students in Ventura County, and now for the first time, in Santa Barbara County.

According to the organization, most indigenous teens are likely to be first generation college students. At this time, there are two scholarships available: Tequio and MICOP’s Edison Scholarship fund. 

Dozens of students like Adriana Diaz benefitted from the Tequio scholarship. She is a second year student at CSU Channel Islands. 

“My parents are farm workers,” said Diaz “I, myself, was working with my parents in the fields at the age of 13.”

Diaz is of indigenous descent. She said her process in applying for colleges and scholarships was a little challenging, as she has limited to resources. 

“I couldn't ask my parents for help,” said Diaz. “I couldn't ask my brothers for help because when I did, they were like- I am sorry, we want to help you but we don’t know.”

Adriana discovered she was eligible to apply for the Tequio scholarship. She applied and received the scholarship that covered her tuition. 

“There’s not many scholarships that support indigenious students in our region.” said MICOP  Tequio organizer Sonia Zapien Torres. “Last year, we were able to support about 28 individual students.”

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 28. Click here for more information on both scholarships.