Students get more than aid from BECA

Blanca Gonzalez

Andres Martin remembers what it was like to have big dreams and little money. Martin wanted to go to college, but his parents, a house cleaner and a landscaper, couldn't afford it.

When Martin graduated from San Marcos High School 10 years ago, the BECA Foundation believed in him and gave him a scholarship. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of California Santa Cruz and a master's degree from the University of San Diego.

Martin, a counselor at Ramona High school, is now president of BECA and volunteers his time as a mentor to help other students realize their dreams of higher education and a better future.

A group of North County businesspeople and educators started BECA

20 years ago to address a troubling issue. Too many Latino youths were not going to college or, if they started, were more likely to drop out than their white counterparts.

BECA, the Spanish word for scholarship, provides more than money to aspiring Hispanic college students, said David Martinez, one of BECA's founders. The foundation also offers each scholarship recipient a mentor who can be an invaluable source of counsel and encouragement, he said.

Maribel Gonzalez credits her mentor with helping her choose a career path. Although her parents were supportive, they had only attended elementary school.

"They couldn't understand the aspects and experiences of college," Gonzalez said.

"When you're 18 and just trying to get your life started, you need someone to talk to about school," said Gonzalez, who remembers the difficult transition from high school to college. "I was going through some tough times and trying to decide on a major."

Gonzalez said that with the advice of her mentor, an Escondido businessman, she chose to major in accounting. Gonzalez, a graduate of San Pasqual High School, graduated from the University of San Diego in 1995 with a degree in accounting and is assistant director of accounting at a pharmaceutical company.

Gonzalez said she was grateful for other scholarship programs that also gave her money, but BECA was different.

"With the others, once they gave me the check, that was it," Gonzalez said. "The money is great, of course, but BECA also tries to be a part of the students' lives, to support them in their career development."

Martinez said one of BECA's goals was to encourage students to return to their communities and assist others. Gonzalez and Martin are proof the plan is working. Gonzalez, like Martin, is on BECA's board of directors.

"BECA has been such a good part of my life," said Gonzalez, who volunteers as a mentor. "I'd like to be there for a student like my mentor was there for me."

The BECA Foundation started out modestly, awarding one $500 scholarship its first year. The group also focused on North County students.

At its 20th annual awards ceremony in July, BECA awarded $65,000 in scholarships to 33 students from throughout San Diego County. Since its inception, BECA has helped more than 400 students and has awarded $1.6 million in scholarships.

BECA recipients are chosen based on academic performance, need and community service. They also are required to write an essay and submit letters of recommendation.

Over the years, BECA's contributors have included Hewlett- Packard, Hunter Industries, Comerciantes Latinos Associados and Union Bank of California.

BECA's real financial stability, however, came with the help of Edward and Mary Currivan, who were affiliated with various foundations and corporations, including the Alice Newell Joslyn Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation.

Edward Currivan, a native of England, flew Ford Tri-motor cargo planes in South America in the 1930s, according to his nephew, Greg Joslyn.

"Eddie developed malaria and was near death," said Joslyn. "He was nursed back to health by nurses in Bogota, Colombia. He was grateful for the rest of his life."

Joslyn, who serves as vice president of the BECA board of directors, said his great-uncle loved BECA and its mission.

Although Edward Currivan died more than a year ago at age 97, his gift continues to benefit Latino students. About half the scholarships awarded annually by BECA go to students seeking medical or health-related careers.

Ana Garcia, BECA's only paid employee, said BECA usually gets more than 200 applications a year. "They're all deserving. It's sad we have to turn people down," said Garcia, who remembers better times when the organization could afford to give nearly $100,000 a year in scholarships.

With the downturn in the economy, however, the foundation's investments are paying out less, and corporate donations are down. Martin said he and his fellow board members will expand fund- raising efforts and explore grant possibilities to help BECA offer more scholarships.

"There are lots of wonderful kids out there," Martin said. "BECA benefits our future leaders and helps them achieve their dreams."

Community Solutions

To learn more: The BECA Foundation can be reached at (760) 741- 8246 or by e-mail at garciac@owl.csum.edu. The foundation also has a Web site, www.becafoundation.org

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Blanca Gonzalez: (760) 737-7576; blanca.gonzalez@uniontrib.com