Maria Leticia Guerrero, a senior at La Vega High School and student in the Upward Bound program at McLennan Community College, has been named a Gates Millennium Scholar. She is one of only 1,000 students across the country to receive the scholarship and was chosen from among more than 20,500 applicants.

As a Gates Millennium Scholar, Guerrero will receive a full ride to any U.S. accredited college or university, as well as additional funds for living expenses. She has applied to the University of Texas and Texas Tech University and plans to major in biology in order to pursue a career in physical therapy.

"It's nice to know that all my hard work is paying off," Guerrero said of receiving the scholarship.

At La Vega High School, she serves as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of Student Council and senior class vice president. Guerrero is also a member of Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALS) and is a student athletic trainer for football and basketball.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is designed to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to succeed in higher education.
Guerrero learned about the scholarship program through Upward Bound, a college preparatory program that helps students improve study skills and other tools that will help them be successful in higher education.

"Upward Bound has been great," Guerrero said. "It's helped a lot throughout my high school career."

For more information, contact Upward Bound's Patsy Jones at 299-8555 or pjones@mclennan.edu.

Leticia Guerrero, a student in Upward Bound at MCC, has been named a Gates Millennium Scholar.