• Share this Email Facebook Twitter

Local students have been selected for two noteworthy scholarships: the U.S. Fulbright Awards and the Gates Millennium Scholar.

The Monterey Institute of International Studies has set a personal record for the number of U.S. Fulbright recipients. Six students have been awarded these scholarships, surpassing last year’s five. Further, on a per capita basis, they have outdone the top-10 schools in 2012 (according to the News and World Report college ranking) for their number of Fulbright scholarships.

The U.S. Fulbright program is one of the most prestigious international education exchange opportunities. Awarded by the U.S. State Department, the scholarship provides the opportunity to study, teach, and research in over 155 foreign countries.

Scattered around the globe, from Taiwan to Cyprus, MIIS students will carry out their research or teaching projects. Given the 46 Fulbright alumni who have won Nobel prizes, the futures are bright for these six Monterey Institute students.

Meanwhile, Salinas can boast its own scholarly achievements. Alisal High School student Magaly Zagal is the proud recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholars award. She was one of 1,000 students selected from 24,000 applicants. The scholarship will be put towards a higher education institution of her choice.