Diana Valdez’s parents instilled the value of hard work and education into her and her siblings. Working as a school nurse in the Sheldon Independent School District, Valdez can now further her education at Lone Star College-Kingwood, thanks to the Tu Camino Essay Scholarship, a partnership between LSC Foundation and TelevisaUnivision.
“As a school nurse, I have a responsibility to care for the children at my school and promote the wellness of my community,” said Valdez. “I am passionate about nursing and caring for others. The Tu Camino scholarship will help elevate my education so that I can continue supporting the community I love.”
LSC Foundation and TelevisaUnivision awarded the Tu Camino Essay Scholarship to Valdez at a reception held Dec. 2. Valdez will receive up to $15,000 toward earning an Associate of Science in Nursing degree at LSC-Kingwood. At the event, former recipients Nancy Segundo and Kenia Meja shared an update on their journeys since receiving the scholarship in 2023.
“Lone Star College Foundation knows scholarships like Tu Camino help remove the barrier of tuition and fees and allows students to focus on their education, resulting in higher grades and persistence rates than those who do not receive scholarships,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSC Foundation executive director. “Lone Star College Foundation is proud to work with great community partners like TelevisaUnivision to support Lone Star College students.”
The Tu Camino Essay Scholarship opportunity started in 2023 through TelevisaUnivision’s Univision Contigo (i.e., ‘with you’) program to uplift, empower and support the Hispanic community through the value of higher education. This year, nearly 150 people submitted their essays entitled “How a Lone Star College Scholarship Will Enhance My Career Path or Pursue a Career Shift.”
“Univision Contigo is more than just a program; it’s a commitment. A commitment to education, financial literacy, health awareness and civic engagement,” said Grace Olivares, TelevisaUnivision community empowerment director. “We believe that access to resources and information can transform lives, and we proudly support Tu Camino scholarship recipients as they take the next step in their educational journey.”
The Tu Camino Essay Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities help LSCS students get the degree or certification they need to pursue a profitable career while minimizing financial debt. Through LSC Foundation, 2,566 students received more than $3 million in scholarships and $3.3 million in emergency support in 2023-2024.
“At Lone Star College, we believe in the transformative power of education. Financial assistance like the Tu Camino scholarship supports our students’ educational journeys and serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity,” said Melissa Gonzalez, Ph.D., LSC-Kingwood president. “This scholarship reinforces the belief that dreams can become reality through hard work, dedication and the support of our community. We look forward to helping students like Diana go far in life.”
Valdez will continue her nursing journey at LSC-Kingwood in spring 2025. Her future goals include earning a Master of Science degree in Nursing and ultimately becoming a nursing professor. Click here to read Valdez’s inspiring essay.
“As a professor, I hope to educate others and share the passion I have for the nursing profession,” said Valdez. “I hope to represent the growing percentage of Latinas with higher education and turn my goals into reality with the support of the Tu Camino scholarship.”
Lone Star College offers over 200 degrees and certificates and four baccalaureate programs to assist all students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Registration is now open for winter 2024 and spring 2025 classes. Learn more at LoneStar.edu.
About Lone Star College Foundation
Lone Star College Foundation impacts students’ lives by reducing the financial barriers to a quality college education. Since 1991, LSC Foundation has awarded over $26 million in scholarships to more than 27,000 students and raised nearly $13 million in program support. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Giving.
About Lone Star College System
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.