Hispanic and Latinx scholarships can be offered by a number of companies, organizations, and schools. This results in a much more diverse scholarship program.
The Pew Research Center reports that Educational attainment among U.S. Latinx & Hispanic students has “reached its highest level in the last three decades.” Dropout rates are decreasing while college attendance has skyrocketed in the past few years. Hispanic students are reported to be the largest minority group on U.S university campuses and in general and they are less likely to have student debt. This is because of access to scholarships, federal aid, and attendance at universities with cheaper tuition fees.
Some scholarships have different essays or videos as a requirement – the common thread here is that they are for those that have or can claim Hispanic or Latino descent. We acknowledge and help find awards to honor the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latinx students in the US.
Although there has been an increasing number of Hispanic and Latinx college students in recent years, they still face difficult challenges on the way to graduation. Financial aid (especially scholarships and grants) is critical to Hispanic and Latinx students in the U.S. who are struggling with rising costs of living, low wages, and even state divestment in higher education.
A lot of Hispanic and Latinx students are the first in their families to go to college. These students face significant challenges such as high dropout rates and a lack of financial support. College tuition is more expensive than ever and many times these students end up with mounting debt as well as limited employment opportunities and earning potential compared to those that may not face such barriers. The following guide will explore scholarships ideas for Hispanic and Latinx students that can assist them in finding success.
Challenges Impacting Hispanics and Latinx Students in 2020 & Beyond
Economic Decline Due to COVID-19 – Latinxs and Hispanic students considering colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic have had it especially hard, as they typically enter school as low-income students. In 2020, 32% of Latinx students delayed or canceled their college plans — twice the rate of Caucasian students and 8-9% more than Black or Asian American students.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Hispanics are the largest minority group in America. And they are also among the most economically vulnerable population in America, while around one in five Hispanics and Latinx find themselves living below the poverty line.
Student loans are at unprecedented levels costing more young people their chance to invest in their future. Latinx students are hit the hardest, with only 20% of Latinx students completing their degree within six years.
Less Generational Wealth for Latinxs Than Caucasian Students – Statistics have shown that many Latinx students are less likely to inherit material wealth than their Caucasian counterparts. As the high costs of college become extremely difficult, many students are finding it hard to afford it. This is impacting the Hispanic and Latinx student population who come from low-income families. Low-income families are 64% less likely to accumulate savings than higher-earning families. More than half of Hispanic Americans were denied or approved for less credit than requested in 2016-17, more than double the rate for Caucasian Americans.
The decline in Community College Enrollment – In 2015, President Obama launched a free community college plan that is in part responsible for the rapid growth of Hispanic and Black student enrollment. However, during the pandemic in 2020, two-year college enrollment decreased by more than 10%. A report released by the Clearinghouse shows that the number of high school graduates who go straight to college has decreased by 22% in the Fall of 2020. This drop was mostly due to a decrease in lower-income and urban high school students entering college without first getting a higher education elsewhere. This is troubling because more poor and vulnerable students are simply not going to college.
First-Generation College Students – As first-generation college students, Hispanic and Latinx students may be unfamiliar with the processes that typically go into applying to college and receiving financial aid.
Hispanic and Latinx Scholarships
| SCHOLARSHIP | ELIGIBILITY | AMOUNT | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMiS STEM Scholarship | Applicants to the program must be Hispanic or affiliate with an underserved community. They also need a minimum 3.0 GPA and be studying in a full-time STEM graduate or undergraduate degree at a two-year or four-year college or university. | $500-$5,000 | April |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, or DACA-eligible. They must also self-identify as Hispanic and have a high school GPA of 2.5 or better or an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher if they are in college/grad school. Applicants should be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a four-year university or graduate school. | $500-$5,000 | February |
| La Unidad Latina Foundation | Scholarship applicants must have Latinx heritage and be enrolled at a graduate or undergraduate level. | Up to $2,000 | October |
| LULAC National Scholarship Fund | Latinx and Hispanic students can get scholarships from the League of United Latin American Citizens. Applicants should be able to show strong academic performance, leadership potentials & community involvement. | $250-$2,000 | Varies |
| TheDream.Us National Scholarship | The program is only open to DACA or TPS certified applicants. They must also be current U.S. high school or community college students, or recent graduates/GED recipients, which means they had to come to the U.S before turning 16 and maintained continuous U.S residency since November 1, 2015. | Varies | Varies |
| SCHOLARSHIP | ELIGIBILITY | AMOUNT | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Thread Foundation Scholarship | To qualify, applicants must be women who were born internationally, immigrants, or first-generation Americans enrolling as first-year college students in an undergraduate program. | Varies | February |
| Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship | Applicants must be women of Chicana or Latina heritage enrolled in an accredited graduate or undergraduate program in one of 13 northern California counties. Students must have resided in a qualifying county for at least two years prior to applying. | $1,500 | March |
| Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship | Applicants must be women or gender nonconforming students of color enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate program in the upcoming fall term. | $750 | November |
| Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship | Applicants must be women who are at least 17 years old and mothers with minor children. Applicants must also qualify as low-income individuals and be pursuing their first graduate or undergraduate degree. Preference is given to women from underserved communities. | Up to $5,000 | August |
| SCHOLARSHIP | ELIGIBILITY | AMOUNT | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| EducationDynamics Minority First-Generation Scholarship | Applicants must be first-generation students who are at least 17 years old and pursuing an undergraduate program at an accredited institution. | $10,000 | June |
| The Gates Scholarship | Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program. Students must be U.S. citizens, be Pell Grant-eligible, and hold a minimum 3.3 GPA. Preference is given to first-generation students. | Varies | September |
| Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship | Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program the following year. Students must permanently reside in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, or Washington, D.C. Preference is given to students from underrepresented communities. | $5,000 | May |
| TELACU Education Foundation Scholarship | Applicants must be first-generation, low-income, full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must be permanent residents in underserved communities in select counties of California, Illinois, New York, or Texas. Preference is given to business and STEM majors. | Varies | Varies |
| SCHOLARSHIP | ELIGIBILITY | AMOUNT | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Assistance Migrant Program | Applicants must be migrant workers or children of migrant workers currently enrolled in their first year of an undergraduate program. | Varies | April |
| Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship | Migrants or children of migrants who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a high school in New York’s Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, or Westchester counties may qualify for this award. Priority is given to migrants from Mexico. | At least $1,000 | April |
| Quest for Excellence: New Americans Award | Eligible applicants are immigrants or children of immigrants in their junior year of high school who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and plan to attend college after their senior year. | Up to $1,000 | Varies |
| Running of the Bulls Scholarship for Immigrants | Applicants must be immigrants or children of immigrants and enrolled in or accepted to a four-year undergraduate or graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. | $1,000 | June |
| Gloria Mattera National Migrant Scholarship | Applicants must demonstrate a recent move for agricultural employment, as well as academic potential and financial need. They must be enrolled in, accepted to, or planning to pursue a program at an accredited college or university, technical school, or vocational school. Priority is given to interstate migrant youth. | Up to $250 | April |
Grants
| SCHOLARSHIP | ELIGIBILITY | AMOUNT | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards | Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients of Hispanic heritage. They must also graduate from high school in spring 2022 with a GPA of at least 3.0 and enroll at a college or university in 2022-2023. | Varies | November |
| Federal Pell Grant | Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens who are first-time college students. Most award recipients are undergraduates, except for aspiring teachers. | Up to $6,495 (2021-2022) | June (FAFSA deadline) |
| Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant | Applicants must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a graduate or undergraduate degree program at a participating school and maintain a GPA of at least 3.25. Recipients commit to teaching in a high-need field for at least four years after they graduate. | Varies | June (FAFSA deadline) |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) | Applicants must be undergraduate students and demonstrate financial need. | $100-$4,000 | June (FAFSA deadline) |
| Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant | Applicants must be ineligible for the Pell Grant based on income and meet other criteria. Qualifying students must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college when they experienced the death of their parent or guardian through military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. | Up to $6,495 | June (FAFSA deadline) |
Resources for Latinx
Excelencia in Education
This organization promotes student engagement, academic achievement, and workforce preparation for the Latinx postsecondary community. Excelencia in Education is made of various initiatives that aim to improve federal & state policy, education pathways, and financial aid opportunities for minority students. Excelencia in Education is a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping high school students get into college. Our mission is to give every student in America access to education. Excelencia in Education student mentors are all recent high school graduates who have been through the whole college application process themselves, and each year they help around 1,000 kids apply for scholarships or offers of admission at top colleges.
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) is the national association of 125 accredited, not-for-profit colleges, universities, and educational agencies serving Hispanic/Latinx students across the United States. HACU has served its membership’s needs for over three decades by providing an institutional voice, promoting academic excellence, advocating for access and affordability in higher education, ensuring transparency in college costs through HACU’s Annual Cost of Education survey, comparing programs among member schools to increase student choice, lobbying federal officials to ensure that Hispanics are adequately represented in government policy-making decisions that impact higher education, sponsoring conferences for students at member institutions, developing applied research projects to inform the work of Hispanic/Latinx organizations and advocates, deepening the understanding of key issues facing Hispanics in higher education through HACU’s annual State of Higher Education for Hispanics report, encouraging more Hispanics to attend college by awarding scholarships annually to deserving students at member schools.
National Hispanic Institute
NHI collaborates with 80 colleges and universities nationwide and supports the Hispanic community by focusing on college readiness, leadership opportunities, financial awards & fellowships, and national/international outreach programs. National Hispanic Institute (NHI) is an organization that aims to empower the Hispanic Community by developing leaders of tomorrow. NHI’s work is rooted in the principles of leadership development. NHI was founded by four college students at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) who recognized their own need for mentorship and guidance.
Postsecondary National Policy Institute
PNPI helps shape existing & emerging postsecondary education policies through research & advocacy programs. The institute remains a leading national resource for statistical reporting on issues affecting Hispanic and Latinx student groups in postsecondary education. Postsecondary National Policy Institute is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the improvement of higher education. Postsecondary National Policy Institute has different objectives to help develop an improved higher education system in the United States. The institute wants to use its research to decrease college dropout rates, increase access for disadvantaged communities, and also promote better international understanding through education.
White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative
This initiative, including the ¡Gradúate! Guide to Success Series is designed to help aspiring students navigate the college application process. It also provides resources to improve economic and educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans. The White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative is a civil society organization that was founded by the President of the United States, George Walker Bush. The mission of this initiative is to work with the Hispanic community and promote its economic development. The White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative operates as an independent nonprofit organization and has been recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service.
FAQs
Is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund hard? ›
HSF scholarships are highly competitive; unfortunately, not all qualified applicants receive a scholarship each year. It's important, then, that you dedicate yourself fully to the application process if you're serious about trying to get an HSF award.
Do Latinos get scholarships? ›For this reason, many scholarships are restricted to minority students, including Hispanic students. A great number of companies, organizations and schools offer scholarships, particularly for minority and female students. Some popular organizations such as the ¡Adelante!
How many people win the Hispanic Scholarship Fund? ›Approximately 10,000 students receive scholarships from the HSF annually. That means if you apply with a fully documented application packet and meet all the deadlines, you have a much higher chance of getting some free money for college when compared with other scholarships that only give out one or two awards.
What is a Latino scholarship? ›Latino Scholarships, also sometimes known as Hispanic Scholarships, are offered by a number of companies, organizations and schools, resulting in a more culturally diverse experience for all involved.
What is the easiest scholarship to win? ›- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $40,000 BigFuture Scholarships.
- $2,500 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $2,000 College Repayment Grant.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
You will increase your chances of winning a scholarship by taking your time to fill out each application thoroughly. Forgo the urge to copy and paste, even if two scholarship essay questions seem identical. Don't skip optional questions either, since they are a wonderful way to share more about yourself and your goals.
Do you have to write an essay for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund? ›You'll be asked to write an essay about your goals, strengths, education values, and why you're applying for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. At least one academic recommendation letter.
What ethnicity receives the most scholarships? ›Caucasian students receive 72 percent of all scholarships. Minority students receive only 28 percent of all scholarships. MARTIN: Why might that be so?
How do Latinos pay for college? ›Latino students pay for college through grants more so than loans and adapt their enrollment and the types of institutions they enroll in to make college affordable.
How are National Hispanic Scholars chosen? ›Scholars are selected based on merit.
What is the probability of winning a scholarship? ›
7% or 1 in 8 students are likely to receive a scholarship. Only 0.2% of students receive upwards of $25,000 in scholarships. 5% of students in bachelor programs got enough of scholarships to cover 100% of costs.
How much scholarship money goes unclaimed in the US? ›Believe it or not, financial aid money goes unclaimed every year. Make sure you're getting your share. Don't lose out on financial aid money to pay for school. A recent study from the National College Attainment Network found that $3.75 billion in Pell Grants goes unclaimed each year.
Is the Hispanic scholarship Fund good? ›HSF stands strong as the leading and most reputable non-profit organization in the US. Its strategies and operating model are the best practices others try to emulate.
How do you know if you are a National Hispanic Scholar? ›Achieve a minimum qualifying PSAT/NMSQT score (qualifying levels vary by region) Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year. Identify as Hispanic or Latinx. Be a permanent resident of the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
Can you be Hispanic and not Latino? ›Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.
What is the most difficult part of looking for scholarships? ›According to most of my students, one of the hardest parts of applying for scholarships is finding appropriate scholarships to apply to. It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the scholarships and scams out there.
What GPA is good enough for a scholarship? ›Some scholarship committees only consider applicants whose GPA meets a certain threshold. Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
What are 3 things you should establish in your scholarship file? ›- Résumé ...
- Transcripts. ...
- Financial Reports. ...
- Identification. ...
- Personal Statement. ...
- Other Things to Consider.
Full-ride academic scholarship: Be at the top of your class with a great GPA, take AP/honors classes, and get perfect (or close to perfect) SAT or ACT scores. Along with academic merit, it also helps to also have leadership skills or community involvement, too (see below).
What is a good number of scholarships to apply to? ›For those that want solid numbers, on average, many of the students I work with are applying for anywhere between 3-7+ scholarships, each, per week. Some weeks those numbers are much higher, and other weeks students are preparing or taking the week off to recharge mentally.
What to say when a scholarship asks how it will help you? ›
I am planning to work during my undergraduate degree, but I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies. This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I'll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I'll be able to continue with my academic achievements.
What is a good format for a scholarship essay? ›Unless specified otherwise, scholarship essays should always use the following formatting: Double spaced. Times New Roman font. 12 point font.
On what grounds is a scholarship usually awarded? ›Scholarships are payments awarded to students based on outstanding academic achievements, or because they have met all requirements set out by the scholarship sponsor.
What ethnicity is the least educated? ›Persons identifying as Hispanic or Latino, without regard to race, had the lowest educational attainment.
What college gives the most full ride scholarships? ›- University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) ...
- Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) ...
- Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) ...
- University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana) ...
- Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This Fulbright Scholarship is the most well-known program presented to worldwide students by the US government.
Which college has the most Latinos? ›What university has the largest Hispanic population? With more than 32,000 Hispanic students, Florida International University boasts the largest population of Hispanic learners in the U.S.
Why do Hispanics drop out of college? ›however, research has shown that factors such as the parent's education, involvement, low expectations, school attitude, limited English skills, limited school funding, and cultural differences contribute to Hispanic dropout.
Why do Latino students dropout of college? ›We show that poverty is a key contributor. Lack of English proficiency among Hispanic student is linked to the higher Hispanic dropout probability. Our results also suggest that neighborhood characteristics may be important in explaining the high African- American dropout rates.
Is HSF a big deal? ›As the nation's largest nonprofit organization supporting Hispanic American higher education, the Fund has awarded over $588 million in scholarships and provides a range of programs for students, HSF Scholars, Alumni, and parents.
How prestigious is the HSF? ›
HSF stands strong as the leading and most reputable non-profit organization in the US. Its strategies and operating model are the best practices others try to emulate.
How many applicants does HSF get? ›Each year, 10,000 applicants will qualify as HSF Scholars. All HSF Scholars have access to HSF Scholar Support Services, regardless of whether or not HSF is able to offer them a financial award.
What GPA is good enough for a scholarship? ›Some scholarship committees only consider applicants whose GPA meets a certain threshold. Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
What is the 5 strong scholarship? ›5 Strong gives scholars the support they need to succeed at HBCUs. 5 Strong is about the potential, the genius, the leadership of our young people. Together, we can make students' lives better, make their colleges better, and make our country better.
What is the average GPA to keep a scholarship? ›Most schools set grade point average (GPA) minimums to keep the financial aid flowing—even for "need-based" grants awarded based on family income. Colleges typically require students to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a C average, to qualify for almost any kind of financial aid.
What skills do HSF look for? ›We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues.
Do you need a letter of recommendation for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund? ›You must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an academic professional. It can be from an instructor, advisor, etc. If you want, you may include other letters of recommendation. Additional letters can come from academic and non-academic sources.
How are National Hispanic Scholars chosen? ›Scholars are selected based on merit.
Does HSF cover dental? ›The Everyday Single Cover Health Plan
Dental, optical, physiotherapy, specialist consultations and a number of complementary treatments are included, and we also pay generous grants for General Practitioner visits and prescription charges.
All of our schemes include HSF Assist which provides: GP Advice Line, Virtual Doctor, Counselling, Medical Information and Legal Advice.
How do I claim HSF benefits? ›
...
- Download a claim form. Claim form download. ...
- Fill in form and provide receipt(s) ...
- Payment of your claim – check MyPolicy.
The selection process consists of three stages: Submitted, Finalists, and Selected Scholar. Selected Scholars must submit their FAFSA, transcript, financial aid award letter, and enrollment verification form to be officially confirmed.
How much does a partner at HSF make? ›Herbert Smith Freehills has reported a 6 per cent rise in revenue for 2021-2022 and pushed average partner profit above $2 million, figures the global law firm called “particularly pleasing”.
Who are HSF competitors? ›- Herbert Smith Freehills.
- Linklaters.
- Norton Rose Fulbright.
- Clifford Chance.
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.