“US Organization Grants Scholarships to Mexican Students in Need”

A US-based organization, Keeping Kids in School (KKIS), has awarded scholarships to 16 students from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, enabling them to continue their university education. Among the recipients is Yuliana Paola Laso Bastida, a high-achieving swimmer and dedicated student, who will now be able to pursue her studies in Gastronomy at the University in Solidaridad.

At 18 years old, Yuliana has already achieved a Top 1 ranking in open water swimming and has won 58 state championships. Despite her father's health issues and the financial strain it has put on her family, Yuliana has remained committed to her education. The scholarship from KKIS will allow her to attend a private university in the city, easing her financial burden.

In addition to her studies and swimming, Yuliana also runs a brownie shop in downtown Playa del Carmen. She has expressed a clear goal to pursue a Master's degree in Gastronomic Sciences, with a particular interest in the molecular and biochemical aspects of food.

Although Yuliana was offered an 80 percent scholarship to the University of Arkansas in the United States, she has chosen to stay in Mexico for now, believing she can continue to contribute her knowledge locally.

The scholarship recipients and their parents attended a signing event with KKIS, where they were encouraged to continue their bilingual education. Gina García, the KKIS Student Services Coordinator and a psychologist, welcomed the students who had applied to various universities and states, many of whom had chosen majors not available at local institutions.

This year's scholarship recipients include students from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and even two students from Yucatán, who will continue their studies in Peto and Valladolid. The students' chosen majors span a variety of fields, from Tourism and Gastronomy to Educational Intervention and Architecture.

García explained that KKIS carefully evaluates the families that apply for the university scholarship, as they receive more than 100 applications per year. The organization aims to provide comprehensive support for students, covering tuition fees, material costs, internships, books, and courses, as well as assisting in strengthening their emotional skills.