Table of Contents
The HSF Scholarship is built to help Hispanic ethnicity students receive a university degree. Stipends for high school graduates, undergraduate students (all years), community college students transitioning to four-year colleges, and doctoral students are eligible on a competitive basis. If you fall into one of these groups, then you might have the opportunity to receive benefits from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. To find out what requirements you must meet to qualify as a recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, continue reading this article to finish.
What is Hispanic Scholarship Fund?
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) helps Latino students acquire the skills and support required to graduate from college. Since 1975, the foundation has offered scholarship funds of about $588 million to Hispanic Americans, with total scholarships varying from $500-$5,000, based on the monetary need of a recipient. In fact, the company provides more than 150 types of awards for students with various talents and skills, and the rewards can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, school supplies and even commuting to and from college.
How much does the Hispanic Scholarship Fund give?
HSF scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. The award amount is based on each student’s financial need and the amount of funding available.
Are the scholarships need-based or merit-based?
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers merit-based scholarships. Winners are selected based on academic excellence.
Who is eligible for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund?
If you’re a Hispanic heritage student who wishes to get a college degree, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund could help you reach your dreams. A candidate must be at least 25 per cent Hispanic or Latino in order to apply for this award and be able to trace their ancestry to a Latino nation. Accepted nations include:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- El Salvador
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Note that the grants, as determined by FAFSA, are awarded to U.S. nationals, permanent legal immigrants, DACA students and qualifying non-citizens.
In fact, applicants are expected to meet specific academic standards to obtain an HSF scholarship. Throughout this time, the grant is available to seniors from high school and college students who expect to study full time for the next year in approved, non-profit, undergraduate or graduate schools. The fund sets a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for high school graduates. To qualify, undergraduate and graduate students need a 2.5 GPA.
Although the HSF is available to students in all majors and degree fields, candidates should be mindful that the program puts a strong focus on promoting STEM majors.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award?
No. The HSF is giving prizes to permanent legal residents, students falling under the protection of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), and qualifying non-citizens as established by the United States Department of Education. Contact the HSF via your student dashboard if you do not match those criteria but think you should still be eligible. After you create a profile you will have access to it.
How to apply for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund?
Follow these steps for a chance to secure college financing from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund:
- Create a free MyHSF profile and fill out the application.
- Submit your completed FAFSA and SAR (Student Aid Report).
- Write and submit an essay that describes your goals, characteristics, strengths, and values.
- Submit your high school and college transcripts (if applicable).
- Procure and submit a letter of recommendation by someone who influenced your academic development (i.e. a teacher, advisor, or professor). You have the option of submitting additional letters from either academic or non-academic contacts.
- Send in your enrollment verification for the school you plan to attend. (This document can be submitted during the summer after you receive your award notification).
- Send in your financial aid letter from the school you plan to attend.
Note that DACA students will need to submit an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Normally the deadline for submissions for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund is either the last week of March or the first week of April. Applications are due for 2020 on 30 March, and decisions will be made beginning in May.
How to win Hispanic Scholarship Fund?
Although most scholarships seek out outstanding candidates with bright prospects, each institution that offers scholarships has its own priorities and objectives. The committee is particularly based for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund on seeking good academic accomplishments and well-rounded extracurricular credentials and a clear sense of purpose. Find out these tips to increase your odds of success should you intend to apply for HSF.
Be a leader
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is recruiting candidates with a real leadership talent as part of its dedication to helping Hispanic students find success in marginalized areas. Unless you actually do not hold a leadership role, talk about running for a student council, or nominating your name to a club or sports community officer position. Showing you are a leader in one area will actually convince the HSF that in other fields, including your chosen profession, you will still be successful.
Focus on STEM
The HSF is especially adamant about helping students who want to work in science and technology in an attempt to help Latino students make strides in the STEM fields. If you’re looking to be a major in biology, math, engineering, or a similar area, taking STEM AP, IB, and Honors classes will improve your odds of earning this prestigious honor. In fact, you can look into extracurriculars linked to it. Activities like Science Olympiad and Math League in particular would definitely give the right impact.
Give back to your community
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is keen to help the returning graduates. When you’re not still volunteering, look for an opportunity to help out at your school or in the neighborhood. Choose a charity or cause that is relevant to your desired profession for bonus points, such as tutoring high school children in math or volunteering your time at the local hospital.
When will the winners of Hispanic Scholarship Fund be notified?
Usually, winners are contacted via e-mail in June or July. Non-winners should be contacted until the screening process, which could be later in the year, is over.
What to do if I win a Hispanic Scholarship Fund?
If you have been chosen to earn a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Grant, you should submit some follow-up paperwork and complete them. The HSF will contact you with details about what to do. Fulfilling a Wells Fargo Payment Management profile online would be one prerequisite. The email will be sent in August or September, with the information. The organization will send the money to your school after you complete your application.
If your Enrollment Verification has not already been sent, you will need to do so before the fall semester starts. In fact, the HSF can ask for additional documentation depending on your application. Check your email daily, and send the required documentation within the stated deadlines.
