Scholarships Awarded to 9 Teenage Mothers

Nine teenage mothers from the San Fernando Valley who have successfully balanced parenting responsibilities and their educations have been awarded $500 college scholarships from El Nido Family Centers.

The nine Valley women were among 25 El Nido clients who earlier this month received the Good Neighbor Scholarships, said El Nido Executive Director Emily Lloyd.

Since 1925, El Nido’s centers have provided counseling, education and referral services to families in Los Angeles County. This marks the fifth year of the scholarship program.

“We gave away more scholarships this year than ever before,” said Lloyd, whose agency is supported by government and foundation grants and private contributions. “The number of teen mothers we serve has been increasing, and we wanted to offer more scholarships to keep up with the need.”

Eighteen-year-old Gabina Villanueva of Pacoima, who gave birth to son Omar 22 months ago, said she qualified for the scholarship with an essay describing her determination to be both a successful mother and student.

“I am proud of myself for entering this contest and getting the scholarship,” said Villanueva, who recently started Valley College and hopes to transfer to CSUN or UCLA in two years. “Before, I wouldn’t even try to write an essay, but I’ve been trying hard to improve my writing skills.”

The other Valley recipients are Melissa Davenport, Cecilia Enamorado, Leasa Levitt, Jessica Mora, Martha Nunez, Beatriz Rosas, Angela Sanchez and Mariah Weeks.

Scholarships can be used for books, lab fees and other supplies at the school or vocational center of the student’s choice.

“This is an important validation for these young people, many of whom have overcome some very difficult obstacles to get where they are,” Lloyd said. “It’s not a lot of money, but it provides recognition that someone believes they can succeed.”