Kinesis Foundation awards $1M in college aid to 81 Puerto Rican students
The Kinesis Foundation has awarded $1 million in university scholarships to 81 new students for the 2025–2026 academic year, continuing its mission of expanding access to higher education for talented, low-income youth in Puerto Rico.
According to the nonprofit, 41 students will pursue degrees at prestigious universities in the U.S. — including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Duke — while 40 will study at campuses of the University of Puerto Rico, such as Mayagüez and Río Piedras. Of the new awardees, 89% come from families with high economic need and 32% are first-generation college students. Nearly half — 42% — graduated from the Foundation’s Bright Stars Program.
“Each scholarship awarded represents an opening of the door and a real opportunity to transform lives through education,” said José A. Cruz, executive director of the Kinesis Foundation. “Investing in these students isn’t just about supporting their individual development; it’s about investing in the future of Puerto Rico.”
The average GPA among this year’s recipients is 3.91. They join the 162 Kinesis Scholars already in the program, currently enrolled in various disciplines and degree levels.
Since its founding in 2004, the Foundation has supported more than 1,000 students in completing degrees from top universities, thanks to individual donors and corporate sponsors committed to educational advancement.
Kinesis also announced its open call for new Bright Stars applicants, targeting ninth and tenth graders. Applications for the program, which provides counseling, test prep, and leadership training, are open until Aug. 31.
