BOSTON, MA – On August 15 the Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosted the 2024 First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony at Boston City Hall. The ceremony celebrated the 26 adult learners who were awarded First Literacy Scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year.
Scholarship recipients Enrique and Ana, both East Boston residents, were among this group of deserving adult learners. Born and raised in El Salvador, Enrique lost family members to gang violence in his home country. Soon the violence became too much, and he made the decision to come to the United States in search of a better future. He faced many challenges when he arrived, but unwavering support from his family and guidance from Catholic Charities fueled his motivation to follow the right path.
“The scholarship from First Literacy will allow me to pursue my dream,” said Enrique. “A career as a graphic designer will allow me to inspire and enrich people through art and its beauty.”
Enrique is a second-year scholar currently enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College. With the scholarship from First Literacy, he plans to continue working towards a degree in visual design.
Ana is from Colombia and faced financial hardship growing up after her family went bankrupt. Struggling to pay for food and rent her family made the difficult decision to move to the United States in hopes of a brighter future. When Ana arrived in the United States she did not speak any English so she joined El Centro, where she successfully completed English classes and was nominated for a First Literacy scholarship.
“I am very grateful to First Literacy for supporting me in achieving my dream,” said Ana. “I am fully determined to complete my college studies with a degree, advance my career, and give back to the community.”
Ana will be attending Bunker Hill Community College this fall with plans to obtain a degree in Business.
Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, First Literacy has awarded over 600 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Terry Witherell, First Literacy Executive Director. “Every time I’m at this ceremony I am inspired by our scholars and their perseverance and I’m reminded why First Literacy matters. We are so proud of what our scholars have done already, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the future.”
To learn more about First Literacy and the First Literacy Scholarship program visit www.FirstLiteracy.org.
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About First Literacy
In 1988, a consortium of public and private sector leaders, including Mayor Raymond Flynn and Boston Globe publisher William O. Taylor, established the Boston Adult Literacy Fund (BALF) to expand and improve Adult Basic Education (ABE) in Boston. Twenty years later, BALF became First Literacy. With a focus on funding innovation in adult literacy, First Literacy plays a unique and critical role in adult education and literacy in Massachusetts. Through program grants, free teacher workshops, and scholarships for adult learners, First Literacy reaches over 7,800 adult learners and 200 teachers across Massachusetts every year. For more information visit www.FirstLiteracy.org and follow First Literacy on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @firstliteracy.
