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The IME-BECAS Program

Posted July 16, 2021

Ginny Arthur and Gerrardo Guerrero

For the seventh consecutive year, Metropolitan State University has been selected to participate in the IME-BECAS (Scholarship) Program sponsored by the Mexican Consulate’s Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME) Fellowship Program.

President Ginny Arthur signed the memorandum of understanding with the Consulado de Mejico (Mexican Consulate) in Saint Paul, July 16, 2021, to renew the partnership and ensure tuition assistance this fall for Mexican nationals who are studying at Metro State University.

The IME-BECAS Program is another important opportunity to serve Latino students of Mexican origin and ancestry who attend Metropolitan State University. In partnership with the Mexican Consulate, IME-BECAS is a scholarship program instrumental in alleviating some of the financial strains that impede students from accessing and pursuing their postsecondary education. 

To help students of Mexican origin/ancestry who often face crucial challenges, Metropolitan State and the Mexican Consulate entered into a formal partnership with the university’s participation in the Institute of Mexicans Abroad Scholarship Program. The program is a collaborative scholarship program which has been instrumental in advancing a shared vision of strengthening a supportive network that paves the way for students to thrive.

Since its inception, the IME-BECAS Program has proven to be extremely valuable and continues to play, an important role in students’ lives and is paramount to their success. With the fall award, it is anticipated that nearly 70 Metro State students will have been helped through the program.

Latinos are one of the fastest growing segments in the United States, illustrated by the fact that the U.S. is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world following Mexico. Over the course of the last two decades, the Latino population in Minnesota has experienced unprecedented growth, with a significant portion coming from an influx of new immigrants from Mexico. The Latino student enrollment at Metropolitan State University mirrors this growth.