UPSES Scholarships

UPSES is proud to support students of Portuguese descent in San Diego County through scholarship opportunities that recognize academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and commitment to higher education.

UPSES Scholarship 2026

A $1,000 scholarship awarded to one qualified applicant pursuing higher education.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be pursuing further education and enrolled in or accepted to a four-year university, community college, graduate program, post-graduate program, or technical/vocational career education program
• Must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, or a 2.5 GPA with documented learning disability (IEP)
• Must be of Portuguese descent
• Must reside in San Diego County
• Must complete 30 hours of community service with UPSES during the year of application

Key Details

Award Amount

$1,000

Submission Method

Mail completed application packet

Mailing Address

UPSES Inc.

Attention Scholarship Committee

2818 Avenida de Portugal

San Diego, CA 92106

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the college or university designated by the recipient.

Required Application Materials

• Completed application form
• Proof of GPA
• Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment
• Two letters of recommendation
• Background information
• Activity record
• Personal statement
• Portuguese community essay
• Recommendation letter information
• If applying under the learning disability criteria, proof from a qualified professional

Selection Criteria

• Scholastic achievement and academic merit
• Involvement in the Portuguese community of San Diego County
• Activity record, community service, leadership, and character
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Essay on the Portuguese-American community of San Diego and what it means to you
• Essay on future education and lifetime goals

Essay Requirements

Personal Statement - maximum 150 words

Portuguese Community Essay - maximum 500 words

Recommendation Letters

• Two letters are required
• One must be from a recent high school academic counselor
• One must be from someone not related to the applicant