Seventeen years ago, Friends of Barrón identified significant gaps in the schools serving their neighboring town, home to many workers employed by Estrella del Mar. At that time, Barrón had a two-room kindergarten, a ten-room primary school, and a two-room secondary school; no preparatory school, grades 10 – 12. Although Mexican law provides for education through secondary school, Barrón students faced financial challenges in continuing their studies beyond that level. Then Friends of Barrón (FOB) intervened, offering a scholarship program to academically deserving students. The number one cost barrier was transportation to and from preparatory schools in Mazatlán or Villa Unión.

To address these issues, FOB calculated transportation costs and offered partial scholarships to cover them. To win a scholarship, students were required to submit a five-page application, including an essay, and then maintain a “B” average throughout the school year.  Their dedication paid off, and Barrón’s new generation now includes professionals in various fields, from healthcare to engineering, alongside the more traditional roles of farming and fishing.

In 2017, the Mexican school system agreed to construct a single preparatory school classroom for students who wanted to continue their education in Barrón, allowing matriculating ninth-graders to be educated in their hometown. FOB helped the community expand the school to three classrooms as more students graduated, and it also provided necessities such as computer labs and functional bathrooms.

Over the years, FOB’s scholarship program has evolved from supporting preparatory school students to encouraging university studies. Since our inception, we have assisted over 100 students in pursuing education beyond what was available in 2009. Currently, we have 20 scholarship students enrolled in universities, along with six new applicants—four of whom are eagerly awaiting sponsorship from generous individuals like you. This progress is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and we invite you to be part of this journey.

For the 2025–2026 school year, scholarships are set at USD $850 per student. This amount covers about one-third of annual expenses, depending on the university and curriculum pursued. Most programs are four years in length, plus a one-year internship. If you are interested in sponsoring a student for this school year, please get in touch with FOB Director and Treasurer Richard McGuire at richardmcg@aol.com. He will be happy to guide you through the process.

We are proud to present our 2025-26 university scholarship winners.

Jolette is pursuing a major in Pharmacy and Public Health at the State University of Sinaloa (UAS) in Culiacán where she is majoring in Pharmacy and Public Health. That is a 4 1/2 year program with a one-year service internship after she graduates in December 2029, so she has three more years to go. She is enrolled in challenging chemistry, pharmacy, and biology classes this semester, her fifth, and is a distinguished member of the Pharmaceutical Association of Mexico.

She aspires to be a hospital lab technician, a long-held dream. Kelly and Joe’s support is not just financial; it’s a crucial part of this students’ journey to success.

Jolette, who loves gymnastics, reading, and music, has a clear vision for her future. After graduation, she plans to give back to her community by organizing workshops on hygiene, preventive medicine, first aid, and medicinal plants. Her commitment to her hometown is truly commendable.

Diana, is in her first year of a four-year engineering program at Sinaloa Polytechnic University in Mazatlan. Despite working as a waitress for 18 hours a week, earning $1000 pesos a month, she is an A student and is determined to be the first university graduate in her family. Her dedication is truly inspiring.

Diana enjoys running and other sports. She wants to work with Barrón’s kids in sports, but she has a strong interest in solar power. Diana’s dream is to transition to solar energy and install solar systems in public places in Barron such as stadiums and schools. She envisions solar panels pumping water from ground wells, delivering potable water to homes throughout the day. She will be among the very few female engineers in Mexico. 

Read her essay by clicking here.

Dionys is a UAS civil engineering student in a four-year program. He graduates in August 2029. When not studying, he works as a waiter 16 hours a day on weekends. During his vacation, he earns $1,000 to $1,100 a month. As an engineer, Dionys plans to restore old green belts in Barrón and create new ones. He wants to see all of Barrón streets paved and designed with a sound drainage system in mind.

Read his essay by clicking here.

Anel Jocelyn attends the Polytechnic University of Sinaloa, and she’s in her second year of a logistics major. It’s a 3 1/2 year program; she’ll graduate in March 2028. 

Anel is in the oratory club and works as a babysitter and tutor. She works 16 hours a week during school, 48 hours during vacation, and contributes 800 pesos a month to her education. Her Dad contributes 2600 pesos a month to support her studies. Her mom is a maid. She wants to work in transportation distribution and hopes to secure a position with DHL, Amazon, or Coca-Cola. She has a heartfelt essay; click here to read it.

Arturo is in his second year of university, studying tourism at UAS in Mazatlan and he’ll graduate in 2028.

Arturo likes reading about marine biology and music. He works 18 hours a week as a babysitter and a waiter. He’s interested in promoting Barrón as a dining destination, and he has an excellent essay. Click here to read it.

Aylin Paulina is in her first year of university. She’s attending a four-year UAS business administration program and is expected to graduate in 2029. Paulina wants to work in human resources at a private company.

She likes to be organized.

She works part-time as a cashier at the grocery store for 20 hours each week and contributes $2500 pesos a month to her education. Click here to read her essay.