UPSES is proud to support students of Portuguese descent in San Diego County through scholarship opportunities that recognize academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and commitment to higher education.
UPSES Scholarship
$1,000 scholarship awarded to one qualified applicant pursuing higher education.
At a Glance
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Postmarked by June 30, 2026
Application: Click Here For Application
Submission Method: Mail completed application packet
Mailing Address: UPSES Inc.
Attention Scholarship Committee
2818 Avenida de Portugal
San Diego, CA 92106
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the college or university designated by the recipient.
Selection Criteria
- Scholastic achievement and academic merit
- Involvement in the Portuguese community of San Diego County
- Activity record, community service, leadership, and character
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay on the Portuguese-American community of San Diego and what it means to you
- Essay on future education and lifetime goals
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be pursuing further education and enrolled in or accepted to a four-year university, community college, graduate program, post-graduate program, or technical/vocational career education program
- Must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, or a 2.5 GPA with documented learning disability (IEP)
- Must be of Portuguese descent
- Must reside in San Diego County
- Must complete 30 hours of community service with UPSES during the year of application
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- Proof of GPA
- Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One must be from a recent High School Academic Counselor
- One must be from a non-relative Community Member
- Background information
- Activity record
- Personal Statement (Maximum 150 words)
- Portuguese Community Essay (Maximum 500 Words)
- Recommendation letter information
If applying under the learning disability criteria, proof from a qualified professional
Kenny Alameda Scholarship
A $1,500 scholarship for one qualified graduating high school student of Portuguese descent pursuing a college education.
At a Glance
Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: Postmarked by July 15, 2026
Application: Click Here To View Application
Submission Method: Mail completed application packet
Award Disbursement: Paid directly to the college or university designated by the recipient
Selection Criteria
- Scholastic achievement and academic merit
- Involvement in the Portuguese community of San Diego
- Activity record, community service, leadership, and character
- Personal statement and essay
- Letters of recommendation
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- Proof of GPA
- Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One must be from a recent High School Academic Counselor
- One must be from a non-relative Community Member
- Background information
- Activity record
- Personal Statement (Maximum 150 words)
- Portuguese Community Essay (Maximum 500 Words)
- Recommendation letter information
If applying under the learning disability criteria, proof from a qualified professional
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be of Portuguese descent and reside in San Diego County
- Must attend a San Diego Catholic high school or Point Loma High School and be in the graduating class of the current year
- Eligible schools include Saint Augustine High School, Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Cathedral Catholic High School, Mater Dei High School, and Point Loma High School
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must complete 30 hours of community service within their community
- Must be accepted to a four-year institution; recipients may attend a two-year college
- Must submit an essay explaining why they are deserving of this award
- Must submit two letters of recommendation
Jose F.S. Finete Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship will be granted to one or split between seniors of a Point Loma High School or San Diego Catholic High School pursuing Higher Education.
At a Glance
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Postmarked by July 15, 2026
Submission Method: Mail completed application packet
Award Disbursement: Paid directly to the college or university designated by the recipient
Only applicants who are awarded a scholarship will be notified.
Selection Criteria
- Scholastic achievement and academic merit
- Involvement in the Portuguese community of San Diego
- Activity record, community service, leadership, and character
- Personal statement and essay
- Letters of recommendation
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- Proof of GPA
- Letter of acceptance or proof of enrollment
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One must be from a recent High School Academic Counselor
- One must be from a non-relative Community Member
- Background information
- Activity record
- Personal Statement (Maximum 150 words)
- Portuguese Community Essay (Maximum 500 Words)
- Recommendation letter information
If applying under the learning disability criteria, proof from a qualified professional
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be of Portuguese descent and reside in San Diego County
- Must attend a San Diego Catholic high school or Point Loma High School and be in the graduating class of the current year
- Eligible schools include Saint Augustine High School, Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Cathedral Catholic High School, Mater Dei High School, and Point Loma High School
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must complete 30 hours of community service within their community
- Must be accepted to a four-year institution; recipients may attend a two-year college
- Must submit an essay explaining why they are deserving of this award
- Must submit two letters of recommendation