About Us
About Us
The Reyes family established this scholarship to empower the future leaders of California's Central Valley with informational workshops, guidance, and financial resources.
The family honors their parents, Gusmaro and Bernarda P. Reyes, with a vision to break the cycle of poverty, promote prosperity, empower students of first generation to go to college, and transform their community through higher education.
Gusmaro and Bernarda P. Reyes' legacy includes eight children and their spouses, 25 grand-children, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grand-children. All eight children are graduates of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Fresno, California, and "Rough Riders" for life.
The Reyes family is grateful to their parents. They believe they are better people because of Gusmaro and Bernarda P. Reyes. They would not be where they are today without parents with vision, perseverance, and service to others.
In 2016, the organization launched its Scholarship Program with a cohort of six Reyes Scholars. This year, 90% of the Scholars graduated in four years from college. Cohorts from 2017 through 2019 show 100% persistence rate, with students advancing to their second, third or fourth year of college.
Our Mission
The mission of the Gusmaro & Bernarda P. Reyes Scholarship Fund is to empower students by opening doors of opportunities for upward economic and social mobility through educational scholarships, mentoring, and personal and leadership development.
Our History
Gusmaro & Bernarda P. Reyes valued education. They instilled their work ethic, and taught their children the importance of civic duty, and the value of respect and service.
Both Gusmaro & Bernarda were recognized for being hard working, dedicated parents, and life-long learners. They were born in Parlier, California and raised their family in California’s Central Valley, after living in Mexico for two decades. They dedicated their life to their children’s educational success, yielding doctoral degrees earned by three children, a J.D., a Ed.D, and a M.D.; and two public school teachers; administrators in higher education; and one in construction management.
In 1968, Gusmaro Reyes joined the United Farm Workers of America and registered all eight children as UFW members. This was during a rally when U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy visited Cesar Chavez in Delano, California. Gusmaro & Bernarda’s values were aligned with the values displayed by the UFW. Gusmaro Reyes was also a proud 60-year member of AFL-CIO International Brotherhood of Teamster’s Union, Local #431. Both were active members of La Sociedad Edad de Oro, Calwa Community Service Organization, dedicating countless hours on grassroots scholarship fundraising, including the Latin American Club at Roosevelt High School.
Recognized for her personal sacrifices and dedication to higher education, Bernarda P. Reyes was recognized by New Economics for Women (NEW) and presented the “Legacy Award" in Los Angeles, California. A year later, Gusmaro Reyes was awarded the inaugural “Padres Heroes del Año” by Telemundo and Verizon Wireless, also for his sacrifices, his vision, and life's work. Gusmaro & Bernarda P. Reyes enjoyed their winnings in several 5k runs in the Central California, and loved listening to mariachis, singing, playing music, gardening, traveling, journaling, reading, dancing, spending quality time with his family, and helping other families in need. Gusmaro & Bernarda P. Reyes lived life with strong faith, and taught their children to be servants of God.