California Student Receives $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship from College of Saint Mary
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Maria Belen Perez, a 2024 Sultana High School graduate, as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Perez was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000. Perez receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.
“Maria has not shied away from the responsibility or the work required in her roles in the classroom and on the softball field,” said Andrea Castagnola, Sultana High School English Department chair. “I watched Maria conquer her studies and excel at different subjects while staying committed to her sport.”
College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, human biology or math.
Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars also often attend and present at national conferences.
Perez earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Sultana High School in Hesperia, CA. Some of Perez’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:
- French Biliteracy Seal Accomplishment
At CSM, Perez will study biology. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework and lifelong leadership skills.
