As the first generation in each of their families to attend and graduate from college, Manny Sanchez and Pat Pulido Sanchez decided it was important to provide young Latino students with a pathway to success via educational opportunities.

Thus in 2019, the Manny & Pat Pulido Sanchez Foundation was founded, which provides charitable grants and scholarships to disadvantaged youth, specifically first-generation Americans of Hispanic descent for college and other higher educational needs. The foundation provides eligible students with a four-year scholarship of $5,000, totaling $20,000.  Since the establishment of the foundation, 11 recipients have been awarded $220,000 in scholarships.

Swing for Scholars is an annual golf tournament that supports first-generation students in collaboration with the Chicago Scholars program.  This year’s event is scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024, which includes breakfast, lunch, a cocktail hour with live auction and an awards presentation.  Scholarship recipients will attend the reception and briefly share their higher educational journey.