In its milestone 15th year, the Hispanic Alliance proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Student DREAMers Alliance (SDA) scholarships. This year’s cohort includes ten extraordinary student leaders representing the future of South Carolina and the next generation of Latino excellence.
The SDA program is a signature leadership initiative of the Hispanic Alliance, designed to empower young Hispanic students during their high school years through dialogue, self-discovery, and civic engagement. Modeled after nationally renowned leadership fellowships such as the Aspen Institute, SDA equips students with the tools to lead boldly in their schools and communities.
“As we mark our 15th anniversary, we reflect not only on the growth of the Hispanic Alliance but also on the incredible young people who are shaping our future,” said Andrew Skinner, Director of Public Relations & Development for the Hispanic Alliance. “This year’s scholarship recipients are a reflection of resilience, brilliance, and the powerful opportunity on the Palmetto State’s horizon.”
The 2025 Student DREAMers Alliance Scholarship Recipients are:
- Aracely Simon-Juan – Clemson University, Health Science
- Marilyn Garcia – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering
- Axel Espinoza – Clemson University, Finance
- Jorge Martinez-Villalobos – Clemson University, Architecture
- Ana Agustin Reyes – Greenville Technical College – Radiologic Technology
- Joselyn Martinez-Cruz – Clemson University, Computer Science
- Ariana Zapata – The Citadel, Criminal Justice
- Andrea Gonzalez – Clemson University, Language and International Health
- Yurisbeth Valencia — Trident Technical College, Health Science
- Perla Aburto-Lopez – University of South Carolina, Business Management and Administration
This year also marks two meaningful milestones:
The inaugural Virginia Czapla Scholarship was awarded to Ariana Zapata, in honor of the beloved Berea High School team member and longtime SDA volunteer and student liaison who passed away in 2023. Virginia’s legacy of compassion and commitment to students lives on through this scholarship, and Ariana’s spirit is a reflection of Virginia’s generosity.
The Julia & Guillermo Avila Scholarship returns for a second year, awarded to Joselyn Martinez-Cruz and Ana Agustin-Reyes, two outstanding young women pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Health Science. Donated through 365 Digital Technologies Ltd. Co by Elaine and Guillermo Avila, the scholarship honors Guillermo’s parents and reflects the family’s belief in the power of education to transform lives and the promise of the next generation of Hispanic leaders in SC.
Since its inception, SDA has empowered over 240 youth, many of whom are first-generation college students and leaders in their families. These scholarships help remove financial barriers while affirming the students’ vision for themselves and their communities.
“The journey of the Hispanic Alliance has always been about lifting voices and building bridges,” said Adela Mendoza, Executive Director of the Hispanic Alliance. “These students are proof of what’s possible when we invest in hope, talent, and each other.”To learn more about the Student DREAMers Alliance or to support its mission, visit SCDreamers.org.
