The Beattie Scholarship has allowed me to become the person I was meant to be. I was able to pursue my passions in both Economics and Dance without the heavy weight of financial stress. It opened doors for me to travel abroad for ethnographic research, develop a solo dance thesis exploring identity and healing, and work with immigrant communities through advocacy and financial access. This support affirmed my path as a queer man of color committed to using art and education to uplift others. As a first-generation college student, I’m so grateful that someone saw my potential to grow beyond my circumstances—it has been a transformative experience, and as I prepare to graduate, I’m ready to grow even more and make a lasting difference in the world.
Originally established in 2022 as the Opportunity Scholarship and renamed the Beattie Scholarship in 2025, this scholarship supports students across our Affinity partner schools in pursuing both college and career pathways. Each year, two students from each New Visions Affinity school are nominated by their educators, selected based on their academic readiness, leadership, clear postsecondary plan and demonstrated financial need. The Beattie Scholarship has awarded 623 winners $3,770,000 in scholarship funds since its inception in 2022.
The Affinity Network structure has long provided a trusted vehicle for individual, institutional, and corporate investment in NYC Public Schools, multiplying the impact of public dollars. Just last year, our donors’ generosity resulted in an additional $2 million in direct student and teacher support, including $1.2 million in scholarships.
Aaron Martinez Beattie Scholarship Recipient, Class of 2026, Bates College
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