Latinos Salud has its hands full dealing with the present, including HIV/STI testing, general health and wellness, building community and more. But it’s also helping the next generation lay a solid foundation.
Latinos Salud is giving out $48,000 as part of its Health and Support Services Pride Scholarships.
“Each of our scholars is a member of the LGBTQ/A+ community who is pursuing higher education in careers such as nursing, psychology, social work, public health, or other helping professions,” Latinos Salud Executive Director Stephen Fallon told OutSFL. “Each intends to work in South Florida upon graduation.”
Eight recipients will get between $5,000 and $7,500 for undergraduate or post-grad education. When the money goes out in August, it will be the culmination of a rigorous application and review process.
One of those finalists is Kevin Davila, who is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at FIU, a calling he found through personal experience.
“It’s the journey of the self that we’re all going through. It was my own process that led me to this desire to work with other people and work the path back to themselves.”
His initial encounter with Latinos Salud was the same way many first experience the organization: he went in for HIV/STI testing. The genuineness of that experience resonated.
“I was in the process of dealing with a ton of anxiety with getting tested. I was met with so much compassion and warmth that it wasn’t a question that it was the right place to keep going to.”
Davila, like each recipient, will continue being a part of Latinos Salud. After graduation, each will bring their talents back to South Florida. The scholarship program has exploded over the past few years. For 2023-24, they gave out $12,500 to three students. This year that number is nearly quadrupled and serves eight.
The scholarship program is inclusive. “Just like some are surprised to learn that, while we prioritize the underserved gay Latino community, we serve everyone,” Fallon said. “So, too, with our scholarships, some may be surprised to see that not all are Latino.”
Screenshot via Greater Wilton Manors, YouTube.
