SVdP celebrates 25 years of its First Generation Scholarship Program changing lives
Hundreds of bright minds given the chance to reach their full potential and become the next doctors, engineers, teachers and more for the community — that’s the success at the forefront of the 25th anniversary year of St. Vincent de Paul’s First-Generation Scholarship Program.
Since 2001, the scholarship program has been driving systemic change and opening doors for first-generation students, ultimately changing life and professional trajectories.
The program goes far beyond financial support, helping scholars overcome the unique barriers that first-generation students face. Often coming from low-income families, many scholars balance work responsibilities, paying family bills and navigating socio-economic pressures.
As someone who has walked alongside these scholars year after year, it is incredibly powerful to witness their growth — not just as students, but as leaders, professionals, and changemakers,” says SVdP Development Officer Andy Romley, who oversees and leads the First-Generation Scholarship Program.
Using a relationship-driven model and taking a holistic approach, the First-Generation Scholarship Program meets scholars where they are and supports them through one-on-one mentoring, access to SVdP’s wraparound community services, and connection to opportunities through individual donors and community partners.
SVdP has scholars at institutions across the state of Arizona, including Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Maricopa County Community Colleges. The end goal goes beyond graduation, aiming to firmly plant each scholar on a path toward upward mobility and professional success.
This program is about more than earning a degree,” Romley says. “It’s about confidence, perseverance, and systemic change in action. Seeing our scholars thrive reminds me every day why this work matters and why I am so proud of what this program represents.
The Impact Over 25 Years
Since its launch in 2001, the First-Generation Scholarship Program has created measurable, life-changing results:
• 140+ graduates who have earned college degrees and completed trade school certifications
• 70% graduation rate over a 25-year span
• Grown to serve 50 scholars and 50 mentors annually
Graduates have gone on to careers in fields such as: Education, Engineering, Robotics, Nursing, Business, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Health Solutions, Marketing, and more. Scholars also come from across Maricopa County, representing the rich multicultural and diverse communities SVdP serves.
Read about some of the scholars over the years: Russvel Perez, Victoria Favela, Emily Perales, Marcelino Quiñonez, Berenice Figueroa, Jose Suarez Ortega, Jennefer Garcia
Looking Ahead
For 25 years, doors to college classrooms have opened, careers have taken shape, and transformational change has been made possible through the program’s belief in systemic change through education. The nonprofit looks forward to the many more lives that will be changed through the program in the years to come, and the mentors that will help shape the trajectory of scholar’s academic journeys.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact
To honor this milestone, St. Vincent de Paul will host a 25th Anniversary Celebration of the First-Generation Scholarship Program on:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Republic National Distributing Company Event Space
402 South 54th Place
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
The evening will bring together supporters, Vincentians, scholars, mentors, and community partners for cocktails, dinner, and an inspiring program reflecting on 25 years of lives changed through education, and the future still ahead.
