Hailing from the picturesque town of Cachi, in northwestern Argentina, Milagros Cabana is one of many young students who has gained access to quality higher education. This crucial step toward achieving her dreams became a reality thanks to UCASAL’s scholarship fund, an initiative supported by both private donors and companies.
Milagros Cabana speaks softly, her almond-shaped eyes standing out on her youthful bronze face, always accompanied by a wide smile. At 26, she says she has plenty of reasons to be happy and fulfilled: higher education has given her the chance to specialize in something she loves—the craft of regional cheese-making. With this specialization, she not only transformed her own life but also contributes to the economic progress and development of her community.
What she calls “the miracle” is the scholarship granted by the Catholic University of Salta (UCASAL). This key tool, financed by private companies and individuals, allowed Milagros—exam by exam, step by step—to complete her specialization in a field that drives her passion. Today, thanks to this achievement, the young woman with luminous eyes has become a cornerstone for the development of her beloved Cachi, a scenic enclave at the foot of the Andean foothills, rich in culture yet limited in opportunities.
“Since the moment I had to choose a career, I dreamed of studying to focus on developing such an important regional product for Cachi and all of northwestern Argentina: cheese production. Without this scholarship, it simply wouldn’t have been possible, as my family couldn’t afford the studies,” Milagros explained. She is now advancing her training, pursuing a diploma in Cheese Technology, Production, and Quality at this prestigious academic institution in northern Argentina.
A Key Partnership for Development
UCASAL’s scholarship fund enables more than 9,000 students every year to access university programs with financial support that covers their essential needs. Donations from individuals, contributions from both small and large companies, and funds raised through benefit events form the backbone of this program.
Launched three years ago, this initiative has opened pathways to degrees and diploma courses for low-income youth from Argentina’s interior—young people who otherwise could not afford to pursue their education.
“My humble advice to all young people who want to fulfill their dream of studying is not to give up. Be clear about your goals, keep searching, keep knocking on doors until you find an opportunity to build a better future. Just as it happened for me, there are many others waiting for such chances,” Milagros emphasized, reflecting on the impact of these scholarships in her city. She also expressed her gratitude to UCASAL and invited businesses across the country to join this life-changing initiative, convinced that more students could benefit and achieve their dreams.
The Supporters Behind the UCASAL Scholarship
In Argentina, more than 20 companies collaborate permanently with UCASAL’s scholarship fund. Among them are Banco Macro, Banco Santander, Fundación María Calderón de la Barca, Mansfield, Bodega Puna, POSCO, Río Tinto, Puna Mining, BMI, El Cortijo, Colegio de Magistrados, Siner, Linen Factory, Salta Exploraciones, AGV, Salvita, Catering de Altura, La Merced del Alto, Cerámica Salteña, Ganfeng, Hanak, La Moraleja, and Cookins.
“Our purpose in providing financial support is to encourage students with high academic performance, like Milagros Cabana. Looking ahead, we also want to ease their entry into the workforce within our industries, both locally and regionally. UCASAL’s scholarships are already proving to be true drivers of key industries such as cheese-making, vital not only for Cachi but also for all of northwestern Argentina. Unintentionally, financing the studies of young people from the interior has fueled growth and development throughout the region. Without a doubt, this has been one of the best investments we could have made,” concluded Milenka Paredes, Community Relations Coordinator at POSCO, one of the companies funding UCASAL’s scholarships.
