Banco Popular Dominicano awards 61 scholarships to low-income students

The Banco Popular Dominicano awarded 61 university and technical scholarships to meritorious low-income students on Tuesday, integrating them into its Excelencia Popular program. The initiative now supports a community of 694 people: 393 graduates and 301 active scholarship recipients Source: El Caribe. The new beneficiaries will study at 23 allied academic institutions, with the program covering tuition and providing complementary tools and experiences to support their holistic development Source: Diario Libre.

Program impact

During the ceremony at Torre Popular, executive president Christopher Paniagua highlighted the program's outcomes: nearly 80% of graduates are employed, and one in four holds leadership or supervisory positions Source: El Caribe. Paniagua emphasized that the scholarships offer opportunities for talented youth, stating, "Excelencia Popular nació con una convicción muy clara: El talento necesita oportunidades para desarrollarse" Source: El Caribe.

Recognition and support

Five outstanding graduates from the 2025 cohort were recognized for their academic performance and ethical conduct: Miri Song (Unibe), Magdaliz Reynoso (PUCMM), Sebastián García Otaño (Unapec), Mercy Mercedes Estrella (ISA), and María Teresa Antuna Canela (Intec). Each received 100,000 pesos for future educational expenses and a trophy Source: Diario Libre. The 61 new scholars also received laptop computers to support their studies Source: Diario Libre.

Reactions

Reverend Secilio Espinal, rector of PUCMM, praised the bank's commitment to education as a "motor de transformación de las familias, la sociedad y el país" Source: El Caribe. The event also featured motivational messages from José Mármol and Olympic medalist Marileidy Paulino, who encouraged students to maintain discipline and determination Source: Diario Libre.