Univision awards full scholarships to future Mavericks
Univision Dallas-Fort Worth has awarded two incoming freshmen the Univision Tu Futuro scholarship, which covers the cost of an undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Elizabeth Labrada, a senior from L.D. Bell High School, and Juan Vera, a senior from Palmer High School, also received a $500 gift certificate from Nebraska Furniture Mart, a new laptop from Lisinski Law Firm, an iPad from Nissan North America and an additional $1,000 from the Erika Salter Law Firm.
“We are here today to recognize some wonderful new scholars at UT Arlington,” said Gayonne Beavers, director of admissions, at the scholarship presentation. “As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UTA takes great pride in our partnership with Univision and honoring our new distinguished scholars.”
Joined by their families, counselors and school administrators, Labrada and Vera were celebrated for their accomplishments and futures as Mavericks. Labrada is planning on studying biology and minoring in business. She said her goal is to become an optometrist and open her own practice one day.
“I’ve always found everything about an eye doctor’s office so fascinating,” Labrada said. “This is all so exciting and nerve-wrecking. I’m just extremely grateful to have this opportunity.”
Vera plans to pursue a degree in architectural engineering. In coming to UTA, he is following in his older sister’s footsteps and continuing a Maverick tradition in his family.
“I feel architectural engineering is a major where I can embrace my skills for math and art,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to serve communities that need to be revitalized. I’m motivated to come to UTA because my sister is an alumna. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Since its launch in 2021, the Univision Tu Futuro scholarship program has granted a total of seven scholarships for Mavericks.
"UTA, TelevisaUnivision, our audience and our partners have activated this partnership for four years,” said Mark Masephol, regional president and general manager of TelevisaUnivision. “With our eyes on the future, we look forward to continuing this program and doing more together to empower our youth through education. UTA shares our commitment to diversity, and it is such an honor to see these amazing recipients progress. Elizabeth and Juan: We are proud of you, and we are excited about your future.”
Univision Dallas-Fort Worth is the area’s leading Spanish-language station group and the most-watched television station regardless of language. UTA is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and received the Seal of Excelencia in 2022 for the commitment to accelerating Latino student success.