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It is unfortunate that due to some challenges, many Hispanic and Latino students are prevented from going to their dream colleges and universities. These challenges include economic, educational, and political barriers. Luckily, several organizations and higher institutions offer financial assistance to Hispanic and Latino students that specifically celebrate their heritage. One of the rare scholarships for Hispanic students is the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards presented by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.
This scholarship provides funding specifically for individuals of Spanish or Latin American descent. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards offer financial assistance to Hispanic and Latino students without the conditions and risks presented by other sources of funding. This scholarship is awarded based on merit. The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards do not require repayment, and recipients can use the scholarship to help them earn their degrees.
This guide will help you navigate your application for the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. You can also learn about the conditions imposed by the program to see whether you qualify for the award. Without further ado, let’s dive into it.
About Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards was founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundations. Now, entering its 23rd year, the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards honor Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. Also, it awards Latino students for their excellence in various categories, including:
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Community Service
- Education
- Engineering
- Green Sustainability
- Healthcare & Science
- Media & Entertainment
- Public Service & Social Justice
- Technology
Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is an award-winning nonprofit that identifies, inspires, prepares, and positions Latino leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce to meet America’s priorities. It is focused on assisting Latino students through a unique cycle of leadership built on a high-profile, year-round continuum of sustainable programs, one of which is the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards.
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Program Benefits
Successful candidates will be categorized into three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Recipients from each of these categories will receive a one-time educational grant of up to $1,000 which they can use either to fund their college education or to support a community service effort that addresses a social issue.
Also, once selected, they will be celebrated in ten virtual ceremonies and will become part of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s network of 200,000 professionals and fulfill its unique cycle of leadership where the foundation meets America’s priorities in the classroom and workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
Analyzing the eligibility requirements of a scholarship can help you save time. Knowing whether or not you qualify for a program will let you move on to the next option as soon as possible. Make sure you read, take notes and meet the following requirements of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards before applying. To apply, you must:
- Be a U.S. permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or qualify under the DACA
- Must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale
- Be of Hispanic heritage, including Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines
- Must enroll at an accredited higher education institution in the future academic year
- Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring
- If selected, attendance at the virtual regional awards ceremony is mandatory
How to Apply for the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
To complete your application, you must upload your letter of recommendation and school transcript to the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards database system here. The foundation recommends that all candidates read all the instructions provided and not skip any steps let alone rush through their applications. In other words, for your application to be complete, you must submit the following documents:
- A school transcript (official or unofficial)
- Completed Youth Awards application
- A letter of recommendation
Additionally, you will have to complete five essay questions. You can download the form here. Provide a 250-word answer maximum for each question. If you have difficulty completing this task, then you may want to check our guide on how to write a scholarship essay.
Once you have submitted your application online, you cannot change the application details. However, you can delete the application and submit another in its place. You can still edit your Personal Information section at any point. Heritage
Closing Date
Complete your paperwork and submit your application before the submission deadline of November 14. Regional award recipients will be selected and notified in January. Virtual Awards Ceremonies take place during February or March. If you are a shortlisted candidate, then you must agree to participate in the Virtual Award Ceremony to be eligible to receive your award.
Contact Details
If you have any questions regarding the award, you can send your message to one of the following contact options:
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Head Office
1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Suite 7111 7th Floor,
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 558-9473
Email: info@hispanicheritage.org
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards’ Official Website
For more information on this award, visit the official Hispanic Heritage Foundation website at hispanicheritage.org.
