Costa Rican high school students can apply for a full 4-year scholarship for study at a U.S. university through the Walton Program (WISP), an initiative of the founders of Walmart to benefit youth in Mexico and Central America, said the company this week.

“Walmart of Mexico and Central America invites Costa Ricans who have excellent qualifications to compete for this benefit that will allow them to pursue a university career in prestigious institutions in the United States, with all expenses paid,” said Mariela Pacheco, corporate affairs coordinator for Walmart.

The Walton program offers six full scholarships every year to students in Costa Rica between the ages of 17 and 21 to pursue a bachelor’s degree studies at the following Arkansas universities: John Brown, Harding University and the University of Ozarks.

Among the careers covered by the program are those related to Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Education, Communication, among others, said the company.

Applications for the 2018 school year starting in September will be received until October 2, 2017.

Students who receive the scholarship are encouraged to return to their country to contribute their knowledge. There is no requirement that at the end of the studies, scholarship recipients must work at the company or remain in the U.S.

Each Walton scholarship recipient receives full financial aid for university studies at one of the three Universities involved in the program. This includes: all expenses related to university courses, tuition, books, study materials, residence in universities, food, monthly allowance for personal expenses, and also covers one round trip flight from the university to and from the student’s country of origin during summer vacations for the four years that the scholarship lasts. See https://www.governmentpro.com for more educational financial aid programs in the United States.

Medical insurance is also provided. At the beginning of the first semester, extra money is provided to cover the cost of winter clothing. Expenses for obtaining a passport and U.S. visa are not covered.

For the Costa Rica selection process, only those who meet the following requirements will be considered:

1. Be between 17-21 years old.

2. Currently attending the last year of high school, or with less than 1 year of university studies.

3. Have an academic average of more than 85 over the last three years of study.

4. Have an intermediate or advanced level of English (oral and written).

5. Not a U.S. citizen and not have close family currently living in the U.S.

Interested students can apply to the program here.