About Matador’s Youth Scholarship Fund

Because so many young people lack the resources to travel, the Matador community has created Matador’s Youth Scholarship Fund to provide low-income, urban high school students with the opportunity to travel abroad each summer.

The recipients of the scholarship are chosen from a group of high school juniors who have completed the Coro Exploring Leadership Program, an innovative youth leadership program that trains low-income, urban high school juniors to become change makers in their school and neighborhood communities.

Meet the recipients of the Matador’s Youth Scholarship Fund

Jose Barboza | Mission High School, San Francisco, CA
Why did you apply for the scholarship? "Although I was born in the United States, the rest of my family was still moving from Nicaragua trying to escape the war and the political turmoil. My father was a Sandinista Officer and came to this country as a political refugee and my mother's side of the family had lost a brother. I have always felt strong ties to Nicaragua, but I feel I have no knowledge of its customs, people and lifestyles and I feel disconnected from the rest of my family. I hope this experience will allow me to build stronger relationships with my culture and family. I also want to learn how I can help developing countries achieve their true potential."

Christina Craner | Oakland High School, Oakland CA
Why did you apply for the scholarship? "I've never traveled before out of the country by myself. To visit a new place and see how other people live will open my eyes to the rest of the world. I hope this experience will broaden my views of what is possible in my life and what I'm capable of. Since I don't really know about my own culture, learning about other people and their living styles will help motivate me to learn more of who I am and respect my culture more."

Rosely Villa | Galileo High School, San Francisco, CA
Why did you apply for the scholarship? "It seems like it will be a life changing experience. One of the things I want to do before I die is travel to as many places as I can. I want to see, hear and smell all the different places and cultures the world has to offer. I feel the best part of this program has to do with having the opportunity to work in the local communities in Nicaragua, which is something I wish to do because we as youth can empower other youth to stand up and make change in their own communities."

Isaac Robinson | El Cerrito High School, Richmond CA
Why did you apply for the scholarship? "I applied because I have never traveled outside of California before and I would like to see another country and experience different parts of the world. I would like to develop a new outlook on the simple things in life that I know I take for granted and have a new experience that challenges me and enhances my leadership skills. I would like to learn how I can help people and see how they can help me be a better person."

Meet more students & read their stories