Students at Hostos Community College are breaking educational barriers. 

Estela Espino, Renata Tedaldi and Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo have been named Hispanic Serving Institutions Scholars by the American Heart Association. They are the only three students in the state of New York - out of 30 nationwide - to be selected. 

"They will have the opportunity to conduct research on cardiovascular health and its impact on Latino communities and this will give them the experience working with faculty that are conducting research right now," said research program director at Hostos Community College, Sofia Oviedo. 

They have each been awarded $7,000 to fund their research. "It's not just about getting the scholarship but also inspiring other students to become the future scholars and not giving up on their dreams, even though it's a little bit difficult," said Oliveira De Araujo. 

Espino says the recognition hits close to home, as she hopes to continue to set a good example for her daughter. "My daughter will see me one day and she'll be able to say that's my mom," said Espino.