Latina Engineering Student Prepares to Graduate with Help from Job Board Scholarship

Latpro.com and MAES have awarded Lillian Acosta, University of New Mexico senior, with a $2,500 Foundation Scholarship for her academic achievements and service to the Hispanic community.

Born in Mexico, Lillian Acosta came to the U.S. at the age of 10, and she is the first member of her family to attend college. After her graduation in December of 2008, she will join the professional workforce as an electrical engineer, entering a field where Hispanics, especially Hispanic women, are drastically under-represented.

Latpro.com, the premier job board for Hispanic and bilingual professionals, is proud to help Ms. Acosta attain her college degree by awarding her a $2,500 LatPro-MAES Foundation Scholarship for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and community service. Ms. Acosta also received the first annual LatPro-MAES Scholarship in 2006 during her junior year at the University of New Mexico majoring in Electrical Engineering.

ìI am so thankful to Latpro.com for awarding this scholarship to me again,î Acosta said. ìIt brings me one step closer to graduation, which is not only my dream, but the dream of my parents.î

In the meantime, she is focused on completing her studies and serving as president of the Hispanic Engineering and Science Organization (HESO) at the University of New Mexico. In this role, she gives back to the community by encouraging Hispanic high school students not only to attend college, but also to pursue degrees in engineering and science related fields.

ìMs. Acosta is a wonderful role model for young Latinos, and we felt it was important to help provide the financial support necessary for her to complete her college degree,î said Eric Shannon, President and Founder of Latpro.com. ìIt is our pleasure to award this scholarship to a young woman who embodies the spirit of higher education and will be a valuable addition to the professional community.î