Shaping Tomorrow,
One Student at a Time

Our mission is to empower Puerto Rican youth through access to education, STEM opportunities, and long-term community investment.

Our Students’
Voices

My name is Jerialys Febus, and I was truly excited and grateful to receive the Azmat Assur Award. This recognition represents the reward for years of hard work, dedication, and passion for STEM. The aerospace field is constantly evolving, and I’m thrilled to be part of that change. With this support, I will continue to grow both academically and professionally. My next goal is to invest in my education and meaningful projects that can make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.

- Jerialys Febus

University of Puerto Rico (Mayagüez Campus)

Mechanical Engineering

Receiving this award came as a big surprise and as a blessing. There would be no need to sacrifice part of my studies for a part time job or to not take a class because I couldn’t pay it, a fate my parents suffered. Through the generosity of the foundation I will be able to continue my studies in electrical engineering to better help the island’s dwindling power grid. Since receiving the award I have begun visiting many hydropower plants around the island, visualizing where I would like to begin my work, in order to be decisive in what I must learn to do or what has to be done so that I have a preset goal. This has come as a result of receiving this award because my focus can now be completely centered in my studies and the impact they can have rather than how I’m going to get to the university that lies at the other side of the island or how will I pay tuition. For that I am extremely grateful to the Azmat Assur Foundation for trusting in me and giving me this award.

- Paul Bird

University of Puerto Rico (Mayagüez Campus)

Electrical Engineering

Rosalinda

I grew up in Puerto Rico with my mother, who was my rock as a single parent. Watching her struggles as the sole caregiver inspired me to become that same kind of support for patients who may not have anyone by their side in the hospital. That’s why I chose nursing at Ponce Health Sciences University, where my brother also studied.
The Assur Foundation scholarship completely changed my life. Before receiving it, I was working three jobs while living alone, caring for six animals, and trying to keep up with tuition, car payments, and other expenses. The scholarship lifted all that stress, allowed me to focus on my studies, and even gave me the chance to save for the future. More than financial relief, it gave me the confidence and peace of mind to grow as a leader and a professional.
With that support, I’ve gone from a shy high school student to someone who embraces leadership opportunities. I’ve taken part in more than 30 health fairs, traveled to the Dominican Republic to provide care for underserved patients, and served as an ambassador for Enactus, leading a project to address the island’s stray dog population that was even featured in a major newspaper. I’m also pursuing research in medical simulators to improve training for future healthcare providers.
Looking ahead, I plan to serve in the military through a direct commission health program, earn a master’s in public health, and eventually pursue an MD. I know my foundation in nursing will give me an early advantage in clinical practice and medical studies.
I am forever grateful to the Assur Foundation and its supporters. You are truly godsends. Your generosity has not only made my dreams possible but has also blessed the lives of other students at Ponce Health Sciences University. Because of you, our lives have flourished.

- Rosalinda Heredia

Nursing Student, Ponce Health Sciences University

Receiving this award was truly unexpected, I was astonished when I received the call informing me of my win. This recognition will significantly support my career in mechanical and aerospace engineering, providing the resources to acquire essential materials and tools for my professional development. Moreover, it offers a big morale boost, giving me both mental and financial stability. I am committed to furthering my studies with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer, and I plan to remain in Puerto Rico, working with companies here to contribute to the island’s advancement. 

- Joseángel Fonseca

University of Puerto Rico (Mayagüez Campus)

Mechanical Engineering

Winning the Azmat Assur Award has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I felt very thankful and proud to receive it. This award went beyond my expectations, as it not only provides financial support but also encourages me to keep growing as a scientist. I plan to continue my studies in Biology and work on research that helps improve Puerto Rico.

- Alejandra Tantao

University of Puerto Rico (Río Piedras Campus)

Biology

This scholarship represents an opportunity for me to continue advancing my professional education without financial limitations becoming an obstacle. I am determined to make the most of every resource provided and to give back through effort, dedication, and results. Beyond my academic achievements, I firmly believe that education transforms lives, and I want to be a testimony to that by applying the knowledge I have gained to improve my community and support those who need it most.

- Adriana P. Ballester Arroyo

Interamerican University of Puerto Rico – Guayama Campus
BA in Veterinary Technology

The Assur Fund Scholarship has been a great blessing for me. Thanks to this support, I have been able to cover my transportation expenses and other costs related to my studies, such as materials and meals during my long days at the university. It has been an immense help that has allowed me to stay focused on my goal of completing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and continuing to participate in research projects. I am very grateful for this opportunity because, more than financial aid, it has been a source of motivation to keep growing and to believe more in my academic future. I am deeply thankful to the Assur Foundation and Puerto Rico Community Foundation for supporting and being part of my academic growth.

- Maleidy A. Parrilla Figueroa

Ana G. Méndez University, Carolina Campus
BA on Microbiology

As a student living away from home, I had to move out and take on the responsibilities of an independent life, which include managing rent, roommates, food, and transportation. The sudden weight of these obligations was overwhelming and sometimes made me question how I would be able to manage it all. This scholarship eased that burden by covering essential expenses such as rent and transportation, allowing me to focus on my studies instead of financial stress. Without it, it might have been very difficult for me to keep moving forward.

With this new confidence and peace of mind, I passed all my classes with good grades, earning a solid GPA of 3.75. I joined student associations in leadership roles, and I am now the treasurer of Association for Computing Machinery- Women (ACM-W). I also participated in activities that will help me advance in my academic and professional career. This year, I became a mentor in a programming lab, where I guide students through their course. All of this was made possible thanks to the opportunity provided by the Assur Fund and the Puerto Rico Community Foundation.

- Tasnim Said Khader

University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus
BA on Software Engineer

This scholarship has been a fundamental source of support that has allowed me to stay focused on my studies. Knowing that I had that backing gave me peace of mind, especially during times when expenses piled up. This assistance allowed me to move forward without constantly worrying about finances, which made a huge difference in my performance. Beyond the financial relief, the scholarship also represented an extra source of motivation—a reminder that there are people and institutions who believe in me and in what I can achieve.

I am very excited about this new stage and grateful for everything that has brought me to this point. This scholarship has been a key part of my journey, and I hope to continue counting on your support in this new phase. I will keep giving my best, with the firm goal of becoming a committed, well-prepared physician with a true vocation for service.

- Jorge Enrique Pou Pietri

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG)
Doctor’s Degree - Medicine