The Ritchie Perez Scholarship

2025 Richie Perez Scholarship: For Peace and Justice Award
“Richie Vive, La Lucha Sigue”

Richie Vive, La Lucha Sigue

In 2004, the Puerto Rican community lost a significant figure in Richie Pérez, an ally, advocate, and community leader dedicated to social justice and human rights. Known for his integrity and passion, Richie was deeply involved in various causes, including racial justice, police brutality, Puerto Rican independence, and universal human rights.
As a Young Lords and founding member the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, Richie served as an inspiration and moral compass for many. He was an accomplished writer and lecturer on the Puerto Rican urban experience and taught at the CUNY system, focusing on mass media, US social policy, and the history of labor and civil rights movements. Richie’s belief in the potential of young people to drive social change led him to mentor many youths, emphasizing the importance of passing the torch of justice to future generations. In honor of his legacy, Comité Noviembre has created the Richie Pérez Scholarship Award. This award recognizes a Puerto Rican youth for their dedication, activism, and accomplishments in human rights and social justice, reflecting the values Richie championed. The annual scholarship of $1,000 aims to support the development of new leaders in the pursuit of peace and justice while investing in their education and political growth.

For more information, please contact Lisa M. Rodriguez at (347) 693-6893 or via email at cn.scholarship@gmail.com.
The scholarship winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship award.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

NOTE: If selected, only one CN scholarship will be granted if applicant applied to multiple CN Scholarships

Descent: Applicants must be of Puerto Rican descent.

Community Service Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year active participation and organizing work in a social justice or human rights issue.

Education: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university by the time they receive the award for Fall 2025.

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.): Applicants must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 or better.

Interview: Applicants must undergo a virtual interview with the Selection Committee, which can be conducted in English or Spanish.

Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 30.

Previous Awards: Applicants cannot be a former CN scholarship awardee of any CN Scholarships.

Note: If selected, only one CN scholarship will be granted if the applicant applies for multiple CN Scholarships.

GUIDELINES
1)Completed Application Package Requirements
A completed application package must include the following documents:
Application Form
Essay
Biographical Sketch
Volunteer Community Service Statement
One Letter of Recommendation
Academic Transcripts (for College Students)
High School Transcript (for High School Students)
Headshot Photo
Letter of Recommendation Guidelines

The letter of recommendation should be requested from individuals such as teachers, counselors, mentors, clergy, or community leaders.
The letter must highlight the applicant’s volunteer community service, the duration of the relationship with the candidate, and specific contributions the applicant has made to the community.
It is essential that the letter of recommendation is written on organizational letterhead and includes the contact phone number of the person writing the letter.
Scholarship payment will be made by Comité Noviembre in November 2025, and only upon receipt of official college registration and other requested documentation.

DEADLINE
The application package must be received by Friday, May 02, 2025.
Application packages received after the due date will be disqualified.
Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Conditions for disqualification of Comité Noviembre Scholarship recipients:
The recipient provides false application information.
Recipient fails to graduate from High School by June 2025.
Recipient is not enrolled in an accredited college or university by Fall 2025.
The recipient is not of Puerto Rican descent.
The recipient is a former CN scholarship awardee of any CN Scholarships.
Scholarship Payment Information

Payment Date: November 2025
Requirements for Payment:
Official College Registration/Enrollment: Proof of your enrollment in college.
Video: A 2–3-minute video expressing how this scholarship will impact your education.