English 
Español 2025 Ibero Scholars
Networking and Recognition Reception
Each year, Ibero proudly supports high school seniors from six counties across Greater Rochester in their pursuit of higher education. This year, we honored 51 outstanding students from 30 high schools, representing 14 Hispanic countries, thanks to the Ibero Hispanic Scholarship Endowment and our generous funding partners. To celebrate their achievements, we hosted a memorable reception filled with joy, culture, and inspiration.
Now you can relive the evening—or experience it for the first time—through our official event video! From moving speeches and special recognitions to an unforgettable performance by Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester and inspiring words from Broadway artist and former Ibero Scholar, Isa Antonetti, the energy of the night is just a click away.
Thank you to everyone who helps make these scholarships possible and supports the next generation of Hispanic leaders!
This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our event sponsors: Excellus, William and Sheila Konar Foundation, Wegmans, Visions Federal Credit Union, University of Rochester, Hispanic Heritage Committee of Rochester, NY., Avalon Roc, and GCLR, and others who continue to invest in the future of our youth. Thank you for making this special evening unforgettable.
You can make a difference in the journey of future changemakers today! Ibero has been instrumental in creating better opportunities to support the journey of hundreds of individuals to achieve their full potential . We have scholars in government, we have scholars in leadership, in nonprofits, in school districts, we have scholars on Broadway! Fund an Ibero Scholar today!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
For additional information, please contact information@iaal.org
About Ibero Scholars
These scholarships are designed to support students in their academic journeys by offering financial assistance that can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. The awards range from a minimum of $500; however, in 2024 we were able to increase the minimum award to $1,000 per applicant. It is our desire and commitment to sustaining this improvement moving forward.
You can partner with Ibero and make college a reality for Hispanic students helping to fund higher education future community leaders and professionals. Donors are allowed to create a specialized scholarship name, and to suggest specific requirements towards their 100% tax deductible contribution. Each scholarship donor is responsible for determining the amount of their scholarship and how much would like to designate to each scholarship if more than one scholarship will be provided.
The Ibero-American Action League, Inc. has been instrumental in supporting Hispanic high school graduates' pursuit of higher education since 1985. Through its commitment to empowering the Hispanic community and with the support of the Hispanic Scholarship Endowment Fund, Ibero, in collaboration with community organizations, businesses, and individual donors, has awarded over 1,000 scholarships, positively impacting the future of community leaders and professionals.
Impact:
The Ibero Scholars Program has empowered hundreds of young Hispanic students to pursue their college dreams, making a significant impact on the educational landscape in our community. The Ibero-American Action League, Inc. remains committed to expanding this program and continuing to provide opportunities that ensure Hispanic students have the resources they need to succeed.
In the fall of 2023, Hispanic or Latino students accounted for 20% of the total enrollment at Title IV institutions in the United States, with 3,932,481 students enrolled. Latinos now represent the second-largest group enrolling in graduate, undergraduate, and under two-year programs nationwide.
The resilience of Latino students is undeniable. Community-based initiatives, scholarships, and programs such as the Ibero Scholars play a crucial role in helping these students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Meet an Ibero Scholar
Ibero Scholars Reflecting on the Impact of the Program
“It is a glimpse of hope… I know it helped me to believe that I can achieve a college degree.” – Yversha Roman, director of CASH, Monroe County Legislator for the 26 Legislative District, Scholarship Recipient of 2002.
“The IBERO Scholarship exposed me to IBERO as an agency, and I think that this scholarship really opens the doors for more Hispanic students to consider continuing their education” – Miguel Melendez, Chief of Community Engagement at Ibero, and President of Rochester City Council. Scholarship Recipient of 2004.
“It’s important because no matter how much the sum of the scholarship is, it allows the students to feel that there’s others supporting them to go ahead in life…is more of a motivation. It encouraged me to continue on… that there were people out there who believed and that wanted me to succeed.” – Orlando Ortiz, President of the Puerto Rican Festival Inc., Manufacturing Manager at The Gleason Works, Scholarship Recipient of 1999.
“Supporting the Ibero Scholars is vital because it helps pave the way for our youth, creating opportunities for them to thrive and become the best versions of themselves. By supporting them, we ensure they can give back to our community and beyond, continuing the cycle of support and growth.” – Maycanitza Perez, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services at Penfield Central School District, Scholarship Recipient of 1995.
Our goal is to award 50 applicants with scholarships that can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. To better support them, we aim to increase the base scholarship award to $1,000. With your support, we can also create the opportunity for recipients to start building meaningful connections by underwriting the networking and recognition reception, where we will also be acknowledging and celebrating their achievements.
Hispanic Scholarship Recognition Awards Ceremony
In 2019, our program provided 94 scholarships to students provided in partnership with over 30 organizations and private donors. The scholarships are merit-based and provide financial support in the range from $500 to $2,000. Student majors include biomedical engineering, business, economics, political science and health.
In 2020, the Ibero-American Action League was able to maintain the amount of scholarship donations necessary for our 91 recipients, despite adversity form the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of scholarship recipients were average similar to last year’s with 94 recipients. Due to social distancing concerns, Ibero held its first virtual gala, which included CEO & president Angelica Perez-Delgado, mayor Lovely A. Warren, county executive Adam Bello and former Ibero scholarship recipient Orlando Ortiz.
In 2022, Ibero awarded 57 students from Cuba, Chile, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Spain with scholarships from $500 to $1500.
- 19 from Rochester City School District
- 38 from other public and private schools