By Dr. Linda Alvarado-Arce
(Toledo, Ohio) – On July 1, 2026, Avance Latinx Académico Society (ALAS), a nonprofit located at Toledo Public Schools’ (TPS) Escuela SMART Academy, interviewed and awarded its third (3) academic scholarship to Fernanda de Jesus. Fernanda will use this scholarship to help her earn her degree in psychology from Miami University (OH). To qualify for this $2,000 academic scholarship, students must have attended Escuela SMART Academy, completed the application form and interview process, volunteered with a Latinx community-based organization, submitted two (2) letters of recommendation, read seven (7) Latinx books in Spanish, and maintained a 3.0 or better on a 4.0 grade point scale. A ceremony for the recipients will be scheduled later.
In the photo are ALAS Board Members: Dr. Linda Alvarado-Arce (President), Betty Anzaldua (Treasurer), Colette Cordova (Vice-President), Fernanda de Jesus, Celeste Felix (ALAS Board Member), and Stephanie Serda (TPS) at Toledo/Lucas County Birmingham Public Library.