The African Latino Society Memorial Scholarship

The ALS Memorial Scholarship is awarded to select students who exemplify leadership in programs with the BIPOC Unity Center or other programs across campus at Ithaca College. This scholarship aims to honor students who have worked to influence and promote the academic, political, social, economic, and cultural welfare of students of color at IC and the greater Ithaca community.

Only students returning for the 2024-2025 academic year as full-time undergraduate students are eligible. Any questions about financial aid packaging should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services.

All additional questions, concerns, and comments should be directed to Cliff-Simon Vital in the BIPOC Unity Center at cvital@ithaca.edu (607) 274-5105, or stop by (Suite 339, 3rd floor of Campus Center, Egbert Hall). We look forward to reviewing your submissions!

-The BIPOC Unity Center

The 2023 African Latino Society Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Duda Formoso

Duda Formoso is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and is majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications, planning to pursue a career in digital marketing focused on educational social entrepreneurship in Latin America. One of her biggest aspirations is to help other young Latinos who come from similar backgrounds to her to be able to dream bigger through education. On campus, she is a founder & E-board member of the Brazilian Student Association, a Peer Educator in the BIPOC Unity Center planning programs and workshops for the student of color community and a Student Engagement Assistant in the New Student and Transition Programs. Moreover, Duda has been representing the international and Latinx community being a YouTube content creator for the Ithaca College’s YouTube channel.

"I am extremely honored to have been selected as the recipient of this incredible scholarship. Given that I come from a low-income family and am the major provider of my education, my scholarships are the primary reason I can pursue my studies and make my dreams a reality. I am incredibly appreciative of everyone who helped me invest in my future and made this scholarship possible. Thank you so much for honoring and motivating me to further my passion for leadership and the improvement of Students of Color's experiences in education! "

The 2022 African Latino Society Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Laura Avila

Laura Avila, recipient of the 2022 ALS Memorial Scholarship is currently a junior Viola Performance major with an Art History minor.

She is from Albany New York where she spent most of her childhood. On campus, she serves as vice president of IC FirstGen, the school's organization for resources to guide other first generation college students. She's also the Communications Liason for ICMixed, the school's organization of support for students who identify as mixed race.

Coming from a low-income, single parent household, my scholarships are the main reason that I can further my education and pursue what I love to do

Laura Avila

In Laura's words

"I'm so unbelievably grateful to be accepting such a wonderful scholarship. Coming from a low-income, single parent household, my scholarships are the main reason that I can further my education and pursue what I love to do. Without them, I have no idea where I'd be or how I would have been able to attend any college, let alone the one I've called home for the past two and a half years. I have nothing but gratitude to those who made this scholarship possible and helping me invest in my future. Thank you so much."

Please join us in congratulating Laura on this honor!