The Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship
This scholarship honors the legacy of Martha Barrios Mead MBM (1951-2017), a passionate bilingual speech-language pathologist, diagnostic specialist, and co-founder of Los Niños Primero. In collaboration with Executive Director Maritza Morelli, Martha was instrumental in realizing our vision, successfully launching our first program in 1999.
Born in Chile, Martha Barrios Mead dedicated her career to child development. Her love for teaching and her commitment to the Latino community were the cornerstones of Los Niños Primero, where she served passionately for 17 years as a volunteer and vital member of the Board of Directors until her passing in 2017.
Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship
To perpetuate her impact, the Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship was created in 2018. This financial aid supports Los Niños Primero alumni and young volunteers pursuing a university education, helping them achieve their academic goals and dreams.
The Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship is designed to support Los Niños Primero participants in their higher education. It is highly competitive and rewards both financial need and academic excellence.
Through an initial one-time application, selected students enter the program and can receive funding for up to four years of university education, subject to meeting annual registration and eligibility requirements.
Fuel a college dream!
Eligibility Requirements
The Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship is open to participants of Los Niños Primero who meet the following criteria:
Participation
Have participated as an LNP youth volunteer for at least 2 years. Maintain a minimum participation of 75% in LYRIC Program activities.
Registration
Be enrolled as a senior high school student (grade 12) or be studying at an accredited 2 or 4 year university or higher education institution.
GPA
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and present an official transcript from the educational institution.
Interview
Complete the application, submit an essay and a short video, and attend a brief final in-person interview.
This is your chance to register.
2026 Call for Applications
The 2026 call for applications is now closed. We appreciate the interest of all participants and invite you to stay tuned for the opening of the 2027 call for applications.
Check out the scholarship schedule now!
February 1: The scholarship application period opens for new and returning recipients.
Returning recipients will receive an email invitation to apply.
March 1: Scholarship application period closes.
March 7 and March 21: In-person interviews will be conducted. Applicants will select their preferred date and time.
April 1, 2026: Deadline to submit the student’s financial need statement and their top three college choices.
April 15, 2026: Scholarship decisions will be sent to each applicant.
Higher Education Day (June 6): Scholarship recipients will be announced via social media and the Los Niños Primero website.
For more information on becoming a Los Niños Primero Martha Barrios Mead Scholar, please contact our Youth Programs Director, Lizbeth Zamora.