Fulbright Alumni: Support Me in Validating My University Degree and Paying My Student Loan in the U.S.

My name is Jeferson G. Tenorio, I am a proud Colombian and a Fulbright alumni 2023–2025. I recently completed my Master’s in International Affairs at Penn State University, where I graduated with honors, served as President of the Black Student Association of the International Affairs Department, and had the privilege of becoming the first recipient in the program’s history of the Global Student Leader Award.

My Fulbright experience was not only an academic accomplishment, but also a personal dedication to fostering connections between communities and establishing effective processes that promote inclusion and diversity.

However, during the final year of my master’s program, changes in the U.S. administration and its relations with Colombia directly affected the resources allocated to Afro-descendant and Indigenous Fulbright scholars. This situation left me without funding to cover the last two semesters of my studies, which forced me to request a loan directly from the university.

Additionally, I had secured a one-year job offer in the U.S. after graduation, as the Fulbright program allows fellows to stay for an extra year if they find employment. Unfortunately, I couldn't take this opportunity because my Fulbright category did not receive support from the U.S. Department of State to extend my work authorization and stay. With that job, I hoped to pay off my student loan, validate my degree, and achieve financial stability before returning to Colombia.

Today, together with my wife, Heidy Manrique, we have returned to our country to rebuild our lives. However, we now face the challenge of repaying the student loan, completing the process of validating my degree both in the United States and subsequently before the Ministry of Education in Colombia, and securing our living expenses until I am able to reintegrate into the workforce.

For this reason, we have created this campaign to ask for the support of all individuals, companies, and organizations willing to join this cause. Every contribution, no matter the size, will be a vital step toward enabling us to continue contributing to Colombia's development with the knowledge and experience gained abroad.

We are deeply grateful to all who join us and accompany us on this journey!