Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to UWO students who meet the following criteria:

  • Enrollment Status: Full-time undergraduate
  • Declared Major: Elementary Education, must be officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be considered based on evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to pursue their education; status as a first-generation college student; or evidence of significant family, community, employment, or other responsibilities.
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Must demonstrate involvement in extracurricular (excluding athletics) or volunteer activities as a high school or college student
  • Attendance at the University’s Scholarship Reception in May 2026 is required, provided the event is held and the donor is able to attend

Selection is based on academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular participation. Preference will be given to students working as Community Advisors and/or volunteering in programs involving kids, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters or Best Buddies. Preference will be given to applicants who are known for going above and beyond in welcoming new or shy students and making them feel comfortable in the high school or college environment. Due to NCAA Division III regulations, athletic leadership, ability, participation, or performance cannot be considered in the awarding of scholarships.

Award Payment: Split evenly between Fall 2026 & Spring 2027. If the recipient is not enrolled in the required number of credits for the indicated semester, the award payment will be forfeited.

Donor
Alejandro & Margarita Vergara
Award
$12,000
Categories
School of Education & Human Services, Teacher Education Program, Undergraduate Award
Deadline
11/05/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Preference for this award is given to students who have demonstrated an effort to welcome new or shy students (in high school or college), based on a letter of recommendation. If you meet this preference, please provide the name and email of an individual (non-relative) who has agreed to serve as a reference to support your application. Students who do not meet this preference may skip this question, but are still encouraged to apply.
  2. Applicants not meeting the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement may be considered based on evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to pursue their education; status as a first-generation college student; or evidence of significant family, community, employment, or other responsibilities. If you do not meet the GPA requirement, please comment on those circumstances here.
  3. The recipient of this award is required to attend the University's Scholarship Reception (typically held the first Friday in May). Do you agree to attend, provided the event is held?