Student Leader Earns GIA Scholarship for Service and Academic Excellence

Aliyah Nataly Alatorre, a student aide at Moreno Valley College, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) in partnership with the Mexican Consulate and IME Becas. She was one of five students selected for the award, which recognizes students of Mexican descent who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement.

Since February 2024, Alatorre has served in the Student Financial Services department, assisting students with financial aid applications, managing inquiries, organizing records, and providing guidance to first-generation and Spanish-speaking students. She has also led financial aid workshops in both English and Spanish and represented the college at community events, including the City of Moreno Valley’s Day of the Dead Celebration and Moreno Valley College’s Welcome Day.

“Aliyah consistently demonstrates a high level of commitment, professionalism, and enthusiasm in her work—especially in her service to our predominantly Hispanic student population,” said J. Carlos Ponce, director of Student Financial Services. “Her initiative, communication skills, and dedication to supporting students make her an exemplary candidate for this scholarship.”

Alatorre’s work reflects Moreno Valley College’s mission of Education, Empowerment, Equity, and Service, which guides the institution’s efforts as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Through programs and services funded by federal grants, MVC provides culturally responsive support, targeted interventions, and community-building initiatives to help historically underserved students succeed. By assisting students with financial aid and leading bilingual workshops, Alatorre contributes directly to this mission.

The scholarship was funded through a combination of GIA resources and matching contributions, providing support for students’ tuition, fees, and educational materials. It reflects GIA’s ongoing commitment to increasing equitable postsecondary attainment in the Inland Empire.