The Stay Más Scholarship from the Taco Bell Basis is all about recognizing college students who’re chasing their goals and making them a actuality.
We selected the Stay Más Scholarship as a Instructor Decide as a result of it’s not your typical scholarship—it celebrates creativity, ardour, and individuality. As a substitute of specializing in grades or essays, college students ages 16 to 26 submit a brief video exhibiting what they’re obsessed with and the way they need to make an influence.
Rebecca (Hed) Manocchio, a visible arts academics, is aware of firsthand how life-changing this scholarship may be—she was a recipient herself! Now, as a instructor, she shares the chance along with her college students, encouraging them to observe their passions. Right here’s what Rebecca needs different academics to find out about this program.
What grade ranges or age teams is the scholarship finest suited to?
Because the scholarship is for college students who’re from 16 to 26 years outdated, highschool juniors and seniors are finest suited.
Might this scholarship align with any particular pupil targets or academic pathways?
I positively suppose it could possibly! Because of the scholarship specializing in pupil passions, it could possibly align with mainly any objective or academic pathway. Particularly, within the utility video, your pupil will probably be requested to reply a wide range of questions. One of many questions pertains to how the scholar’s ardour aligns with their academic targets. That is the place the Taco Bell Basis sees how your pupil plans to positively influence their neighborhood, nation, and even the world with their ardour by way of their academic path.
How do college students react to this scholarship alternative?
I feel (and have skilled) that college students react very positively to the Stay Más Scholarship. Nearly all of college students I train are already very obsessed with one thing. By having the scholarship utility course of based mostly on the scholar sharing their ardour, it doesn’t really feel like “additional work” or “homework.” As a substitute, they’re doing one thing that piques their curiosity!
College students are additionally very drawn to the applying course of. It excites them that they get to make a video as a substitute of needing to jot down one other essay.
You have been a recipient of this scholarship, proper? What did it imply to you?
I’m a four-time Stay Más Scholarship recipient! I acquired the scholarship for my duct tape artwork and keenness for sharing artwork with others. In my expertise, making artwork out of a nontraditional materials and deciding to pursue a artistic discipline got here with folks not at all times being probably the most supportive. I acquired the scholarship after a collection of artwork rejection letters. The Stay Más neighborhood confirmed up once I wanted it probably the most and helped present me reassurance, encouragement, confidence, and assets to assist me proceed to pursue my passions to the fullest.
How have you ever seen this scholarship influence others in a constructive method?
Since I’ve been a Stay Más Scholar since 2018, I’ve had the chance to satisfy so many fellow students. One of many prime methods I’ve seen the students impacted is thru the reduction of economic burdens brought on by pursuing a better schooling. I do know that different students in this system have been very blessed by the connections and friendships made because of the scholarship!

How would you sum up your general impression of this scholarship program?
The web site and utility are very clear. There are even extra assets, examples, and suggestions offered to assist your pupil by way of the method. I additionally vastly respect that previous scholarship recipients are proven on the web site by way of images, movies, and articles.
What makes this scholarship stand out or really feel distinctive?
In case your pupil does obtain the scholarship, it’s not simply one other test within the mail. Your pupil will probably be recognized by an unbelievable group of students and leaders who need them to succeed.

How does this scholarship program assist your college students?
On Taco Bell’s Stay Más Scholarship web site, it says that their mission is to “break down obstacles to teach and encourage the subsequent era of leaders” and that their imaginative and prescient is to “gas each younger particular person’s boldest ambition to create good.” Being a scholarship recipient myself, I can confirm that these two statements are 100% true. Not solely does the scholarship assist present reduction from the tutorial monetary burden, however assist is offered by way of in-person and on-line occasions that assist develop your college students in order that they’ll proceed to stay out their ardour surrounded by a neighborhood that believes in them.
Is there anything you’d like us to know?
After you’ve had a protracted day of instructing and determine that you really want Taco Bell for dinner, please say “sure” when the cashier asks if you need to spherical up your invoice to contribute to the Stay Más Scholarship!
Take a look at Rebecca’s video overview of the scholarship.

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