2022 FDCP Scholarship Program

2022 FDCP Scholarship Program will open in Spring 2022

Please check back!

The “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” Scholarship Program was established with the purpose of supporting Portuguese- American students in the pursuit of their higher education goals. The merit-based scholarships are awarded to students of Portuguese ancestry who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their academic careers and who show a commitment to completing an approved plan of study. 

This collaboration is in its third year and is proudly sponsored by generous donations from Corporations and Individual entities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship or a permanent legal U.S. resident (proof of I551 card with no restrictions required),
• For 2022, a New Jersey resident of 6 months or longer. Proof of residency is required.
• Portuguese ancestry of an aggregate of least 25%, i.e. total Portuguese ancestry of the applicant;
• Full-time student attending a baccalaureate degree program (4-year program) at an accredited college or university in the United States beginning the Fall of 2022 (Class of 2022 High School Seniors);
• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of a minimum of 3.0. 

Selection Criteria:

The Scholarship Committee of the “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” will have the sole responsibility for the selection of the scholarship award recipients based upon the following:

• Academic record
• Extra-curricular activities
• Community Service
• Essay

Application Requirements

The applicant must submit the following by the application deadline: 

DEADLINE: to be announced in the Spring 2022

• The “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” Scholarship Application Form;
• An official college academic transcript (with official seal or registrar's signature; not a screenshot) from the high school currently attending; 
• Letter of acceptance and proof of registration of a baccalaureate degree program (4 year program) at an accredited college or university in the United States beginning the Fall of 2021 
• Proof of New Jersey residency of 6 months or longer required
• One to Two page typewritten (double-spaced 12 pt. font) essay addressing the questions:
  • What impact has your Portuguese ancestry had upon your own personal development? 
  • What role do you anticipate that your Portuguese ancestry will play in your future? 
  • Discuss any specific career goals for the future or any community involvement that might be pertinent to the question. 
  • Discuss the importance of a Portuguese Club in your community.
  • What are ways to involve the youth in a cultural organization?
  • What additional information would you like the Scholarship Committee to consider in evaluating your application? 
  • One (1) Instructor’s Recommendation submitted to “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” electronically in PDF format via email to:  festivalportuguesa2019@gmail.com by a teacher or professor in an academic setting.

Submission Instructions and Deadline: 

• Please complete the application and submit all supporting materials in PDF format 
• Applications must be received by to be announced in the Spring 2022 with supporting materials, i.e. completed and signed application form with essay, high school transcript(s), Instructor's Recommendation 
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
• Have your teacher/instructor/professor submit their “Instructor’s Recommendation” via email in PDF format directly to “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” at  festivalportuguesa2019@gmail.com  
• You can also mail a hard copy to: FESTIVAL da CULTURA PORTUGUESA
  c/o VIA PAL, a NJ Nonprofit
  PO Box 5436, Newark, NJ 07105

Award Presentation: 

The scholarship award recipient is strongly encouraged to attend the Festival da Cultura Portuguesa to receive the award. The scholarship winner and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) will receive complimentary tickets to the event.  

The Festival will be held on: to be announced in Spring 2022.

Award Renewals: 

Scholarship awards are NOT renewed. 

Revocation of Award: 

“Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” reserves the right to cancel any scholarship or aid awarded at any time if the applicant fails to meet the standards of academic progress, any other scholarship requirements, 

or falsifies information reported. 

Decline Award:

“Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” reserves the right to decline to award a scholarship during any selection period if there are no eligible applicants or if the Scholarship Committee is unable to select a qualified recipient.

Disclaimer: 

“Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” reserves the right to determine the monetary amount, number, and criteria for awards as well as the selection of recipients. All decisions are final. 

For more information, contact: 

or email: festivalportuguesa2019@gmail.com or visit: FestivaldaCulturaPortuguesa.com 

The “Festival da Cultura Portuguesa” Scholarship Fund is made possible through the generosity of the organizations involved in this year’s event, as well as donations from its corporate sponsors

FESTIVAL da CULTURA PORTUGUESA
c/o VIA PAL, a NJ Nonprofit
PO Box 5436, Newark, NJ 07105

or email: festivalportuguesa2019@gmail.com

 Download and Complete the following application.  DEADLINE: to be announced in Spring 2022