29 Students Supported Since 2018
The Maria Rosa Sans Foundation awarded three new university scholarships yesterday to students from the Garrotxa region, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since the programme began in 2018 to 29.
The recipients, Aisatu Gumaneh Gumaneh, Dante Juan Raviña Corestein and Sandia Yero Gandega Samarassa, will begin studies this academic year at the University of Girona (UdG), the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Terrassa, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) respectively.
Scholarships Linked to Academic Merit and Need
All three students attend secondary schools in Olot. Aisatu, from Institut Montsacopa, will study a double degree in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration at UdG. Dante and Sandia, both from Institut La Garrotxa, will pursue Aerospace Engineering Technology at UPC and Business and Technology at UAB.
The scholarships, which can be renewed annually provided academic requirements are met, include financial aid and a first-year mentorship programme. The foundation, established in Sant Feliu de Pallerols by the Boix-Bosch and Boix-Bonfill families, supports young people facing economic barriers to higher education.
“We must make it easier for students with fewer resources to access university,” said Joan Boix, president of the Maria Rosa Sans Foundation, during yesterday’s ceremony.
The award event took place at Sala El Torín in Olot and was attended by over 200 guests, including past scholars, families, educators and local officials such as Estanis Vayreda, first deputy mayor of Olot, and Albert Danés, president of the Garrotxa County Council.
Mentorship and Transition Support
A keynote lecture titled “From Secondary School to University”, delivered by Dr Jordi Feu of the University of Girona and director of the Pedagogical Renewal Chair, focused on challenges faced by first-generation university students.
This was followed by a roundtable discussion featuring Carme Roca, a 2020–2021 scholarship recipient now graduated in Advertising and Public Relations from UdG, alongside incoming scholar Sandia Yero Gandega Samarassa. Also participating were Anna Bonfill, the foundation’s secretary, and Dr Feu.
Since its launch, the foundation has distributed over €250,000 in educational support across nine editions of the scholarship programme according to the foundation's official records.
Reported by sibhilla.uab.cat, ILOVEPDF.COM, Fundació MRS, Diari de Girona.
