Boris Rueda wants a better world and wants to do his part. Now, his dream is getting new support. He is one of the first recipients of the Health and Support Services Pride Scholarship program, funded by Latinos Salud.

“The scholarship allows me to keep growing, learning, and evolving in my life and career. It is also an opportunity to find and build community among those who relate to the same life paths and shared experiences,” he said.

Scholarships for juniors and seniors are up to $5,000 while freshmen and sophomores are eligible for $2,500. Rueda is in his last year at FIU where he’s studying international relations.

“As an immigrant, Latino, and gay man, it is important to embrace those things that make us different but also bring people together, and I think that is what the scholarship represents to me,” he said.

Applicants wrote essays on connecting with the community now and in the future.

The scholarship program is Latino Salud’s latest effort to develop culturally-competent care in South Florida’s Latinx LGBTQ community. Latino Salud’s executive director, Dr. Stephen Fallon, hopes that some recipients will return and work on one of their South Florida facilities.

But no matter where they end up, Dr. Fallon says the world will be a better place.

“Whether they work with our agency or another, we are honored to be able to support these compassionate individuals who will make a better South Florida community.”

As for Rueda, the program brought him closer to Latinos Salud and his community.

“Before the scholarship, I had visited Latinos Salud once or twice and recommended their services to friends unsure of getting tested and where to go,” he said. “Personally, I became a little more involved after the scholarship. I have remained engaged in some of their events for the sense of community and support they provide.”