2026 Progreso Latino Fund Founders Scholarship Winners Announced
Leylianna Irizarry Malavet and Syrena Torres were each awarded the 2026 Fund Founders Scholarship at a ceremony hosted by the New Haven Scholarship Fund.
This fall, Leylianna Irizarry Malavet plans to head to UConn to pursue pediatric oncology. On Sunday, the Metropolitan Business Academy graduate was one of two local students to receive the Progreso Latino Fund (PLF) Fund Founders Scholarship of $3,000. Hillhouse High School graduate Syrena Torres was also awarded the Founders Scholarship.
"I've always wanted to go to college, ever since I was a little girl," said Leylianna. "I've always wanted to go to the University of Connecticut, but obviously it's very expensive, so just having extra aid helps."
"I'm so proud of my granddaughter," said Leylianna's grandfather George, after the ceremony hosted by the New Haven Scholarship Fund at Hillhouse High School.
The PLF Fund Founders Scholarship is administered through the New Haven Scholarship Fund, whose sole mission is to provide scholarships to eligible New Haven students who have the most financial need and academic potential.
"It's such a great thing," said Leylianna, reflecting on the importance of having a Latine-focused fund. "It's such an honor. Obviously, the Latino communities aren't really represented, so just having this is great."
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