Search | Menu Madison College Foundation continues María del Rosario Covarrubias Scholarship legacy
The Madison College Foundation is continuing the legacy of the María del Rosario Covarrubias Scholarship by administering the scholarship and overseeing its annual award process.
The scholarship honors Covarrubias’ role as educator, advocate, and lifelong learner whose belief in the power of education continues to create opportunities for students today. The announcement comes during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, histories and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities.
The scholarship honors Covarrubias’ role as educator, advocate, and lifelong learner whose belief in the power of education continues to create opportunities for students today. The announcement comes during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, histories and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities.
The scholarship was originally established in 2018 by her daughters, Cindy and Julie, to honor their mother’s commitment to education, perseverance and service to others. Through this partnership, the family is strengthening the connection between María's legacy and the institution that helped shape her educational journey.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, she immigrated to the United States with her husband, Ismael, and their young family in search of greater opportunities.
After settling in Madison, she faced many of the challenges experienced by newcomers, including learning English and navigating unfamiliar systems. Encouraged by an educator she met through her children's school, Covarrubias enrolled in English classes at Madison College, reigniting a lifelong passion for learning.
Her educational journey continued as she earned her GED, a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master's degree from Edgewood College. Covarrubias went on to serve Madison Metropolitan School District students and families for more than 30 years as an educator and advocate, earning recognition for her dedication to helping multilingual students thrive.
Covarrubias’ belief in education was grounded in personal experience. Having overcome significant obstacles herself, she encouraged others to dream boldly and pursue opportunities that could change the trajectory of their lives. Her favorite message, often shared with family, friends, and students, was simple: “Dreams are free, so dream big and dream often."
Since its creation, the scholarship has supported learners seeking to further their education while strengthening their families and communities. The scholarship reflects the values Covarrubias championed throughout her life: perseverance, family, service and the transformative power of education.
Madison College student Jessica Santillan, the 2026 recipient of the María del Rosario Covarrubias Scholarship, said it will have a powerful positive impact on her life.
“I am honored to be the recipient of such a foundation that represents people like me and was founded by someone who is such an inspiration,” Santillan said. “Thanks to your generous contribution, I can focus on getting my associate degree in finance without having to worry about how I am going to pay for it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to dream big and with ease.”
“María's story exemplifies the impact that determination, education and community support can have across generations,” said Bryan Woodhouse, chief executive officer of Madison Foundation. “Today, her legacy lives on not only through the scholarship, but also through her children and the countless students and families whose lives she touched.”
By partnering with the Madison College Foundation to administer future scholarship awards, the Covarrubias family hopes future recipients will carry forward María's spirit of resilience, generosity and lifelong learning for years to come.
Learn more about Madison College Foundation.
