The Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico (FCPR) has announced the opening of the Fondo de Becas Benito Massó, a scholarship fund for Afro-descendant students residing in Puerto Rico who wish to pursue post-secondary education at accredited institutions on the island. The call for applications, which will be open until October 30, 2026, aims to award around 30 scholarships of up to $1,500 per student, subject to fund availability, for studies leading to associate's degrees, technical, vocational, certification, or bachelor's degrees.
The fund was established in 2019 to honor the life and legacy of Benito 'Benny' Massó, a psychologist, community leader, writer, and advocate for the equality and dignity of Afro-descendant individuals. Initially, the program was directed at young people from Loíza, but after five years of impact, during which 67 scholarships worth $95,500 were awarded, the FCPR expanded its scope in 2024 to include Afro-descendant students from all municipalities in Puerto Rico.
According to Vivian I. Neptune Rivera, president and CEO of the FCPR, the expansion of the call to the entire island seeks to expand educational opportunities for the Afro-descendant population and contribute to greater racial equity through access to studies and professional opportunities.