In Puerto Rico, thousands of university students face major obstacles every day to achieve their goal to graduate. Challenges such as food insecurity and lack of resources to pay for academic materials and housing put their education at risk. Aware of these challenges, FirstBank created the YOU First College Program, an initiative designed to support young people academically and professionally by providing them with tools that allow them to become successful leaders and professionals who are ready to contribute to Puerto Rico’s progress.

As part of this program, FirstBank offers the YOU First Scholarship Program – a scholarship program that gives students the opportunity to continue their studies with greater stability and focus on their future. In its ongoing commitment to the education and development of Puerto Rico’s youth, FirstBank awarded 34 scholarships totaling $85,000 to students from six universities in Puerto Rico. The initiative is aimed at low-income youths with outstanding academic performance and participation in internship, entrepreneurship and financial education programs.

During the scholarship awards ceremony held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, FirstBank announced a new allocation of $105,000 for the program’s 2025 edition, reaffirming its commitment to training future professionals.

“Our island’s economic development depends to a large extent on what we invest in training our future entrepreneurs and professionals today. As a financial institution, we invest in education, given that academic training plays a key role in boosting the island’s economy. Through the YOU First College Program, we’re betting on the talent of our young people, and providing them with the tools to become the professionals and entrepreneurs who will lead Puerto Rico’s future,” said Ginoris López-Lay, Executive Vice President and Director of Strategic Management and Business Development at FirstBank.

Nayda Rivera, Chief Risk Officer added, “As a socially responsible institution, we’re aware of our important role in the community. At FirstBank, we believe that providing equal access to education not only transforms lives, but also boosts the economic development of the entire island. That’s why, when we support our youth, we know we’re investing in Puerto Rico’s growth. By contributing to everyone’s education, we’re ensuring a more equitable and prepared society in which we can build a more prosperous and competitive future for the island.”

Through the YOU First College Program, the financial institution has established partnerships with Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico (PUCPR), Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM), Inter American University of Puerto Rico (Metro, Bayamón and San Germán campuses), Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico (Arecibo, Río Piedras and Mayagüez campuses) and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.