The Mercedes Medina Díaz Association (AMMD) held the delivery of its XIV edition of scholarships this Friday, supporting academic talent this year with 15 students from Lanzarote and La Graciosa benefitting. This year’s initiative boasts a record amount of €54,000, with each recipient awarded €3,600 to support their studies during the 2025/2026 academic year.
The award ceremony took place at the Insular Library, attended by families, institutional representatives, collaborating businesses, and educational authorities. The students received an initial grant of €400, with the remaining amount to be disbursed in instalments throughout the academic year.
This year’s call for applications received nearly fifty submissions, prompting a more rigorous selection process. “The Mercedes Medina scholarships aim to ensure that no talent from Lanzarote or La Graciosa goes to waste due to a lack of financial resources,” emphasised Juan Cruz Sepúlveda, the association’s president, who expressed gratitude for the renewed trust from patrons and businesses that made this funding increase possible.
In his speech, Sepúlveda highlighted that the record funding achieved this year would “help us support the island’s youth more effectively,” stressing the need for sustained assistance to foster equal opportunities in accessing higher education.
Institutional and Business Support
The Education Councillor of the Lanzarote Cabildo, Ascensión Toledo, conveyed the island corporation’s congratulations to the students and their families. Toledo noted that the Cabildo maintains a stable collaboration with the AMMD and reiterated its commitment to continue supporting a project that “transforms the memory of an exemplary teacher into real opportunities for our youth.”
Cathaysa Suárez, the Councillor for Citizen Participation of the Arrecife City Council, also spoke on behalf of the municipal education head, Abigail González. Suárez emphasised that the scholarships signify “a commitment to equal opportunities and the talent of our youth,” appreciating the collaborative efforts of the Association and the businesses funding the programme.
The ceremony was conducted by AMMD Vice-President, Carmen Rosa Márquez, and also featured the presence of Mónica Ramírez, the General Director of Personnel and Teacher Training for the Canary Islands Government.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
The Mercedes Medina Díaz Association was established in memory of the Lanzarote teacher Mercedes Medina, recognised for her dedication to education and for promoting personal development and access to higher studies among her students. It was her daughter, María Mercedes Maura Manuela Palarea Medina, who spearheaded the creation of this organisation, which over the years has established a scholarship programme that has become a benchmark on the island.
In 2024, the Lanzarote Cabildo awarded the Association the Jameo de Oro for Education, in recognition of its social work. The spirit of the teacher after whom the organisation is named continues to guide the AMMD’s work, whose main objective is to prevent financial difficulties from hindering the academic future of young people.
With the delivery of this XIV edition of scholarships, the Association reaffirms its commitment to higher education and the creation of new opportunities for students who may otherwise find their access to higher education limited.
