Our Impact
Supporting Education
Since 1990, a total of 250 scholarships totaling $296,000.00 have been awarded to students of Portuguese descent. Our recipients are from Peabody and surrounding communities including Salem, Danvers, Lynn and Beverly.
Recipient Spotlight
Catarina Veludo Saenz, past PAFHE scholarship recipient in 2001, has been awarded the Frederick E. Berry Political and Civic Engagement Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded based on applicants civic engagement, knowledge of political structures, and commitment to public service as exemplified by its namesake, Senator Berry. Each scholarship recipient receives a one-time award of $5,000 to support their continued enrollment at Salem State University. Catarina is currently a PAFHE board member. She continues to be an advocate for students to reach their educational dreams.
Education is a means to help others. As an organization, PAFHE is proud of Dr. Ana Gomes, past recipient, for being recognized for assisting others during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Ana Gomes, NP is the 2019 recipient of Portuguese Americans for Higher Education Dr. Baretto Scholarship. She continues to be a leader in the Portuguese Community. Recently, she completed a Doctoral program through the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions earning a Doctrine of Nursing Practice.
Alexander Marcus, past PAFHE recipient and current Vice-President, has begun Army National Guard training. As another recipient making great strives for giving back, the entire PAFHE community wishes him well. Alexander works at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security as a Program Coordinator. He is also the Vice President of Portuguese Americans for Higher Education. Alex graduated from Suffolk University. He is an active member of the Portuguese community in Peabody.
Testimonials
We think our efforts have made a difference, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Below are a few testimonials from past recipients. Contact us at info@pafhe.com to share your testimonial today.
“I will be forever grateful for the support PAFHE gave me throughout my college years. PAFHE gave me the opportunity to connect and make my community proud as well as put me in a position to give back to it!”
– Scott, University Of Massachusetts Amherst 2013