ROCHELLE — The Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee is set to award a scholarship to a Rochelle Township High School senior next month.

The scholarship is the first for the organization, thanks to a $500 donation from Israel Garcia, a successful entrepreneur who once faced adversity.

Rosie Arteaga, BPAC member and ELL Teacher for Rochelle Elementary School District, said once Garcia found out about the chance at funding this year’s scholarship, he did not hesitate. Garcia owns several restaurants and is a longtime friend of Arteaga.

Arteaga said the scholarship will be awarded based on several parameters, including being a second-language learner and someone who might also be facing financial or personal adversities that could stand in the way of attending college.

“Awarding a scholarship is something I have been wanting to do for years. Like I was myself at that age, these kids may think they do not have the money or the highest GPA, but they have the motivation,” Arteaga began. “Sometimes as little as an award like this can make a huge difference in somebody’s mindset about going to college.”

Adding, “You hear those stories from thankful students who might have said their teacher didn’t give up on them, or that a counselor believed in them.”

Throughout the year BPAC holds several activities and cultural celebrations. The organization raises funds to purchase children’s books and literacy materials as well as provide family field trips to the National Museum of Mexican Art and end of year events.

One of the goals of BPAC is to help provide opportunities for parents to be involved with their children’s schools and their education.

“We want to help parents, help empower them to get them involved with their children’s education,” Arteaga said. “We do a variety of activities, host speakers, and have fun events and trips, tying education, family and our community together.”

Arteaga said the committee plans on awarding the scholarship on an annual basis.