Support Alecia Galindez's Cultural Journey to Spain

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Alecia Galindez.

I am a junior at Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts in Queens, New York. My high school is a specialized institution that provides a class dedicated to each student’s major. As a fine art major, I work with various artistic mediums according to the project I’m assigned.

Beyond just my passion for art, I take my academics seriously. I challenge myself with advanced placement courses (APs), setting me up for college-level success, including AP Language and AP Environmental Science. Outside the classroom, I immerse myself in a diverse range of extracurricular activities that enrich my community. I find it crucial to consistently make as many contributions to my community as possible. I actively participate in programs and clubs advocating for social change, such as my school’s Environmental Activist Club and cheer team.

Outside of school, I dedicate my time to meaningful endeavors. I am a part of YouthBridge-NY, an internship aiming to unite a set of diverse teens around the city to discuss and initiate social change. Additionally, PowerPlay, an empowering girls’ entrepreneurship program designed to expose young women to various sports and career opportunities. To help further my academic goals, I recently joined an SAT prep program called Let's Get Ready, which aims to improve my scores.

As a native English speaker, I have always been eager to explore and connect to my Puerto Rican heritage by learning Spanish. Throughout my education, I’ve worked diligently in every Spanish class to enhance my fluency and comprehension skills to help bond with my relatives and community. After finishing all years of Spanish, my desire to continue improving the language remained strong. That’s why discovering CIEE’s Language and Culture program felt like a dream come true with the program’s unique and exciting ability to immerse each student in the language for 4 weeks. CIEE’s Spanish immersion program is the perfect fit for my goals and allows me to explore new places both in the world and myself.

I am beyond grateful to be a part of the select few who have been accepted into CIEE’s language and culture program traveling to Alicante, Spain in July 2025. I am ecstatic about this incredible opportunity. Although I received a scholarship, I still need some assistance. The total cost is $6,500 and the airfare is approximately $1,000. Including additional/side expenses, I still need to raise $6,000 to help fund this life-changing experience.

With roots in a Spanish-speaking island, I find it important to connect and nourish my Spanish-speaking skills to not only discover more about my family and heritage but to discover more about myself. I hope you can help me achieve this wonderful opportunity! I’m eagerly awaiting the incredible experience provided by CIEE. Please donate what you can! Every contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.

I will be sharing updates on my adventures in Alicante, Spain–stay tuned!! :))