San Jose's Mi Pueblo Scholarship Program Helping Workers Graduate College

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – Dozens of workers at the San Jose-based Mi Pueblo Food Center have been awarded with thousands of dollars in scholarships, part of the Mi Pueblo Scholarship Program.

22-year-old Ivan Hernandez came to the United States from Mexico at the age of 13. Last year, he started working in the deli department at a Mi Pueblo Food Center in Seaside. Just six months later, he applied and was hired at Mi Pueblo's corporate offices.

KCBS' Betsy Gebhart Reports:

On Saturday, Hernandez was one of many to receive a scholarship from Mi Publo, which will help him pay his way through CSU Monterey Bay.

"I'm a very ambitious person and if I get any opportunities, I will take them," he said.

Hernandez is aiming high as he said he hopes to one day become president of the grocery chain.

Mi Pueblo spokesperson Perla Rodriguez said they can thank employees, customers, vendors and members of the community for coming together to help collect funds for the scholarship program.

"In this day and age when many companies are looking at making cutbacks, Mi Pueblo is very committed to investing in its employees," said Rodriguez. "We're celebrating 35 outstanding employees who will receive about $50,000 for their futures."

Rodriguez said that the employees receiving the awards will use them to pursue university degrees and vocational certifications.

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