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EL CENTRO — MANA de Imperial Valley awarded $30,800 in academic scholarships to 61 students from across Imperial County during its 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on May 31. Scholarship recipients included graduating high school seniors, Imperial Valley College transfer students, IVC nursing students, and San Diego State University Imperial Valley students — all recognized for their academic excellence, leadership and community service, according to a MANA press release.
The ceremony was hosted at the Imperial County Administrative Center and featured keynote speaker, Daniela Hernandez, whose inspiring address encouraged students to embrace their cultural identity and to lead with purpose. Daniela Hernandez is a first-generation Latina student at San Diego State University pursuing her master’s degree in postsecondary educational leadership in student affairs. Daniela Hernandez is originally from Calexico.
Since its inception, the MANA de Imperial Valley Scholarship Program has supported local students in achieving their higher education goals while advancing the organization’s mission to empower students through leadership development, community service and advocacy.
“This year’s group of recipients represents the very best of our community’s future,” said MANA de Imperial Valley President Guadalupe Castro. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and community partners for helping us invest in the educational dreams of these remarkable young leaders.”
This year’s scholarship distribution was made possible through generous community partnerships, including:
Diamond Sponsors
(Each Diamond Sponsor supported $1,000 in scholarships awarded in their name.)
Platinum Sponsors
(Each Platinum Sponsor supported $500 in scholarships awarded in their name.)
Scholarship recipients were recognized with certificates, sashes and awards on behalf of MANA de Imperial Valley and local elected officials, including Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, Sen. Stephen C. Padilla and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez.
MANA de Imperial Valley remains committed to advancing educational equity and opportunity for local students. Since 2007, the organization has awarded more than $290,000 in scholarships.
The 2025 MANA Scholarship recipients included the following students:
Brawley High School:
Calexico High School
Calipatria High School
Central Union High School
Imperial High School
Southwest High School
Imperial Valley College -EOP Transfer
Imperial Valley College -Nursing Program
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus
Alternative/Private Schools
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