History

Portuguese Student

Strengthening Our Community Since 1991

Portuguese Americans For Higher Education, Inc. is a non-profit, tax- exempt organization founded in 1990 in Peabody, Massachusetts. Since 1991, annual scholarships have been awarded to both high school seniors and college students based on financial need and academic achievement.

A Proud Heritage

Large numbers of Portuguese immigrants, many working as whalers and fisherman, began to settle in America in the late 18th and 19th centuries, building strong communities in Massachusetts and other parts of New England. These areas experienced a second influx of Portuguese immigration in the 1960s, resulting in multiple generations of families that still live and work here today.

Investing In Our Future

Like other immigrant communities, educational opportunities for Portuguese Americans have been limited by socioeconomic barriers. Our mission works to change this by building financial capacity of local families, helping the next generation reach their college dreams.

 

Learn more about the history of Portuguese Americans: