The Gilbert Rios Memorial Award was established in 2005 to honor one of our original Board Members and brother of Los Padres Foundation's Founder. He was the first member of his family to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree. He willingly gave his time, energy, and resources to assist those in need. His zeal and example improved the life of his family and community. Mr. Rios' dedication exemplified the values and principles that are the basis of Los Padres Foundation.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Puerto Rican/Latino undergraduate student must meet the following criteria:
- Completed a minimum 100 hours of non-faith based voluntary community service each year he or she was enrolled in undergraduate school.
- Maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- First generation in the family to attend graduate school.
- Family meets the federal guidelines for low income.
- Must apply to an accredited graduate/professional program - for example, MA, MBA, JD or MD - that awards the degree within two to four years. Doctoral programs are excluded.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
GILBERT RIOS MEMORIAL AWARD
To receive the total $5,000 award ($2,500 each semester), it is mandatory that the recipient
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete a total of 50 hours give back each year by participating in all of the following LPF activities: College Tuition Assistance (CTA) Program selection process, CTA College Orientation, or mentoring a CTA student.
- Enroll in graduate/professional school the fall term after receiving an undergraduate degree.
- Provide LPF with proof of full-time enrollment and transcripts each semester.
- Maintain continuous enrollment in the program. Failure to do so forfeits the remainder of the award.
The $5,000 is disbursed in two installments: (1) $2,500 in the fall semester and (2) $2,500 in the spring semester, after LPF receives proof of full-time enrollment and a transcript for the previous semester.
