Bachelor fellowships: when talent finds opportunities

More than 201,000 young people graduate each year in Spain, according to data from the CYD Foundation, marking the culmination of a stage defined by effort and perseverance. Among them is a group of students with outstanding academic records and limited financial resources who have completed their higher education thanks to a fellowship that has given them access to opportunities previously beyond their reach. This support has not only nurtured their talent, but also strengthened their confidence and independence. They are the first cohort of students to be awarded Bachelor fellowships from the ”la Caixa” Foundation.

“The first thing I thought when I was awarded the fellowship was, ‘Impossible’,” recalls Ana Vázquez. “I think impostor syndrome is something many of us share. That’s why I encourage anyone thinking about it to apply. You never know, you could be the lucky one!”

Ana has just completed her undergraduate degree in History at the Universitat de València, thanks to a Bachelor fellowship from the ”la Caixa” Foundation. “My vocation began in secondary school: history tells us where we come from and where we’re going, and I felt I wanted to share this passion with others.”

She highlights that the fellowship has given her financial independence and access to new opportunities. “It was a financial relief for my parents and also allowed me to go on Erasmus, meet lots of people and explore who I am both as a person and as a student,” she says.

For Mireya Almeida, another recent graduate, the impact of the fellowship was also profound: “The first thing I did when I found out I’d been awarded it was call my mum in tears and say, ‘Mum, finally something good.’” The fellowship has given her freedom and independence. “Above all, it has freed me from the burden of my parents having to pay for my studies,” she explains. 

Originally from Fuenlabrada, Mireya had known since childhood that she wanted to be a police officer. During sixth form, discovering the forensic police unit inspired her to pursue a degree in Biology at the Autonomous University of Madrid. “Now my goal is to combine the scientific side with criminology to work in a laboratory and contribute to social justice.”

Emotional boost for limitless talent 

In addition to the financial support, which 255 young people have already benefited from in the programme’s five years of existence, the fellowship also provides students with a genuine boost in confidence. “It makes you more self-assured, helps you understand that you’re capable and realise that money doesn’t matter when you put in the effort,” says Ana.

Mireya agrees: the fellowship has changed the way she sees herself and what she is capable of achieving. “I know that if I work hard, I can make it.”

Javier Barrio, also a recipient in the first cohort, admits that at first he did not believe such a fellowship could be within his reach. “It helps you look to the future with more optimism. Now, I believe in myself much more. Being part of this privileged group of fellows makes you realise you can go further. It enhances your talent. It gives you wings that you may already have had, but couldn’t see,” he says.

A Biotechnology graduate from the Universitat de València, Javier recalls being fascinated as a child when visiting the city’s Natural Sciences Museum with his father. “By the time I was in sixth form, I knew my calling was to work in a lab: I could spend hours looking through a microscope.”

Joaquín Márquez, who also received the fellowship in 2021, knew instantly that “something important was coming” when he read the notification that he had been awarded it. “My parents came to Almería from Argentina to give me a better future, and without the fellowship, I would’ve had to pay for my studies by working, which obviously would’ve had a negative impact on my performance,” he explains. When he got the news, he felt “relief, knowing that all those hours of study and all the sacrifice had paid off, and also validation. Coming from such a small town, I never thought I could stand out among so many candidates.”

Joaquín studied Physics at the Complutense University of Madrid, inspired by science communicators like José Luis Crespo and Javier Santaolalla, who helped him see the discipline as a tool for understanding the universe. “I also had two excellent maths teachers who passed on their passion for seeking answers to questions that had never been asked before. Physics was ideal because it combined the theoretical side with the experimental.” Thanks to the fellowship, he was able to focus full-time on his studies and complete an academic stay at the University of California (United States). “It’s been one of the best years of my life,” he admits.

Much more than a fellowship: personalised support

“The fellowship is not just a sum of money; it’s complete support,” says Javier. It includes a monthly allowance of €750, funding for materials and computer equipment, additional grants for international placements, language courses, a personalised academic mentoring programme and training in transferable skills, as well as networking activities.

That personalised support has been key for Ana, whose first months at university were anything but smooth sailing. “You’re faced with a new education system, more demanding subjects, and so on. But thanks to the tools the fellowship gives you, like the mentor or talks on managing stress and anxiety, and sessions on new ways of learning, little by little, everything became easier.” Her mentor, Alfonso, helped her see mistakes as part of the learning process and made her feel “listened to”. In the end, she enjoyed her studies so much that she has now enrolled in a Master’s programme in Contemporary History at the Universitat de València, and is also considering the possibility of continuing with a PhD or going into teaching.

Joaquín also learned an important lesson when he arrived at university. “I’d come from getting good grades in sixth form, and went from being the biggest fish in my bowl to swimming in an ocean full of talent.” His mentor, Javier Argüello, was a cornerstone in the process. He helped him understand that “what matters isn’t being the best at everything, but being consistent.” Argüello had also received a fellowship from the ”la Caixa” Foundation and had studied Physics in the same faculty as the student from Almería. “He completely understood my situation and helped me navigate my subjects, appreciate and celebrate my achievements, and face challenges head-on.” Thanks to him, Joaquín discovered the world of research in quantum technologies through a placement at the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona.

Mireya also highlights the holistic nature of the support she received: “The fellowship isn’t just about your financial wellbeing, but also about helping you grow as a professional and acquire a wealth of skills that will serve you in your studies, at work, and in life.”

Javier, for his part, is grateful that his mentor, Marc, was by his side throughout the journey. “He gave me advice and told me things I maybe didn’t want to hear, but needed to be told. He’s been there in my best and worst moments. I didn’t know him at all before, but today I consider him a friend.”

A future full of connections and opportunities

Ana says the fellowship has “changed my life and opened up a world of opportunities” as well as allowing her to meet people she now considers “part of my family”.

Many fellows highlight the value of belonging to a supportive community. Joaquín stresses the importance of this network: “The fellowship opens the door to a huge, fascinating and incredibly talented network of fellows.” Javier agrees: “I’ve gained great friendships and future contacts, as we’re all talented people in our fields.” And Mireya, from Fuenlabrada, recommends “sticking together” with other fellows to “support each other and give feedback.”

Javier hopes that sharing his personal story can serve as encouragement for other young people. “Knowing that someone like you, someone who perhaps comes from a family with limited financial resources, has been awarded this fellowship might inspire you to go for it.” Today, looking back, he recognises a complete transformation: “If I compare the person I was in my first year of university with who I am now, I see a full evolution in every aspect of my life.” And he thanks the fellowship for making it possible.

Joaquín also reflects on what it means to be part of this first cohort. He describes it as “a real honour and also a responsibility.” Aware that they have been pioneers, he says he hopes “to have helped improve this opportunity for those who come after us.” Originally from Almería, he feels “incredibly lucky to have had this experience” and is committed to doing whatever he can to “give back to other students” everything the fellowship has given him.