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Financial Aid

If you’re a high school senior of Hispanic or Latinx heritage, you'll definitely want to learn more about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) . With more than 150 types of scholarships available through this program, there’s a lot to learn—and a lot to win!

When you submit an HSF award scholarship, you’re actually submitting yourself for consideration for many different awards (much like when you submit a FAFSA ). I’ll talk about all the details you’ll need to take into consideration before submitting your own application for Hispanic scholarships. Then, we'll take a look at application strategies for current high school seniors.

What Is a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award?

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is a large organization that oversees many scholarship programs. It has partnerships with both philanthropic and corporate organizations to fund scholarships for Hispanic students.

Since 1975, HSF has awarded more than $675 million in scholarship money, with 5,100+ new scholarships awarded each year . Overall, it's a real powerhouse of an organization, which aims to ensure that every Hispanic household in the US has at least one college graduate.

In essence, there's no single HSF award; instead, HSF offers many different scholarships, each with its own funding sources, eligibility requirements, and award amounts. The great thing about HSF is that you only have to submit one application every year to be considered for all available scholarships .

These scholarships are merit-based,  meaning they're awarded based on academic and personal achievements, not financial need; that said, financial need is taken into consideration when determining the amount of the award.

Most awards are not renewable —you only receive one annual award amount. As I mentioned above, however, you can submit an HSF scholarship application every year. Re-submitting applications in the future may help your chances of getting more scholarship funding . HSF really values building a community and slightly favors past award winners when reviewing scholarship applications.

HSF award amounts vary from $500 to as high as $5,000, but the specific amount you could win will vary depending on your financial need.

HSF scholarships offer more than just funding for school, though. Here's a list of the benefits that come along with an HSF award :

• Career center platform to help you look for jobs and internships
• Mentor match program
• Online course system to augment your normal college studies
• HSF newsletter with extracurricular and volunteer opportunities
• HSF events and programs, such as Latinos United and Networking for Advancement (LUNA) and National Leadership Conference (NLC)
• An extra "point" on future HSF scholarship applications—if you've won an HSF scholarship in the past, you'll be more likely to win one in the future

All in all, an HSF award is a really great resource in more ways than one. Because one application means you'll be considered for countless scholarships, it's well worth your time to apply for an HSF award . So let's get started!

How to Know If You're Eligible for an HSF Scholarship

In order to receive an HSF award, you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements :

• Be of Hispanic heritage (defined as being at least 1/4 Hispanic or Latino)
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (for high school students)
• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (for college and graduate students)
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited nonprofit four-year university or graduate school during the fall of the scholarship cycle year
• Be a US citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen as defined by the FAFSA
• Complete the FAFSA
• Complete the State Dream Act financial aid application, if applicable

Students of all majors are considered, although there is an emphasis on STEM fields . This is likely because students of Hispanic heritage are especially underrepresented in the fields of math, science, technology, and engineering.

What Do You Need to Apply for an HSF Scholarship?

Before you start working on your Hispanic Scholarship Fund application, it'd be wise to gather the following information and reports.

To complete your HSF application, you'll need the following materials:

• Your FAFSA and Student Aid Report—get complete instructions here
• School transcripts —you can get these from your guidance counselor
• Enrollment verification from your school—check with the admissions office about this
• Financial aid award letter from the college you're enrolling in—the HSF uses this to determine your award amount but not whether you receive a scholarship
• Letters of recommendation —you'll need at least one academic recommender, but additional writers can be academic or non-academic

Your school guidance counselor should be able to help you gather the paperwork you need.

How Do You Submit an HSF Application?

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund application opens January 1  each year and typically closes mid-February. The 2023-24 cycle is currently underway, and awards will be disbursed sometime in December 2023. For the 2024-25 scholarships, the application is estimated to open January 1, 2024, and close February 15, 2024.

By submitting just one application, you'll be considered for a variety of awards. However, although you might be eligible to receive multiple scholarships, you can only be awarded one scholarship per year. Remember that you are encouraged to submit an HSF scholarship application every year you're in school.

After you submit an HSF scholarship application, you'll learn whether you won an award via email in June or July.

How May You Use Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award Money?

HSF scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, and other academic expenses. You can also use the award money to pay for room, board, and transportation expenses.

How to Raise Your Chances of Winning a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award

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.

I'll address some long- and short-term strategies to help you win an HSF scholarship here.

Long-Term Considerations

As you prepare for HSF scholarship applications, keep in mind that students are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Academic achievement
• Personal strengths
• Commitment to giving back to their communities

HSF also strives to help students achieve their goals, particularly in areas in which Hispanic/Latino students are underrepresented, namely STEM fields .

You'll be considered an even stronger applicant if you plan on going into science, tech, engineering, or mathematics.

You should also note that HSF scholarships are looking for students who are well rounded . In other words, they would prefer a student with a slightly lower GPA and an impressive resume to a student with a perfect GPA and no extracurricular activities.

Nevertheless, the strongest HSF applicant will demonstrate both academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities .

If you're a younger high school student, you can start working on making yourself a stronger applicant, both for scholarships and college applications (there tends to be a lot of overlap).

Here are three things that can make applicants more competitive , according to HSF.

#1: Taking Honors or Advanced Classes

This speaks to your academic achievement. Students who challenge themselves with a more difficult course load will seem more ambitious and tenacious.

#2: Consistent Involvement in Extracurricular or Volunteer Activities

Depending on what activities you’re involved in, your participation in extracurriculars/volunteer activities can speak to all the qualities that applicants are evaluated for.

• Academic achievement: Activities such as Science Olympiad , Mock Trial, and Debate can augment what you’re already doing in class. Basically, participation demonstrates intellectual curiosity.
• Personal strengths : Your success in various activities/organizations will speak to your personal strengths. If you win any awards, honors, or accolades through your participation in extracurriculars, these will get you brownie points on applications.
• Leadership : If you hold an authoritative role as a club officer, or if you started a club or volunteer organization, you’ll prove that you are a strong and effective leader.
• Commitment to giving back to the community : Generally, any volunteer or school-related activity will demonstrate a commitment to your community.

#3: Demonstrating Experiences That Have Contributed to Your Personal Growth

You might be questioning what exactly this point is supposed to mean. After all, experiences that contribute to personal growth will be different for everyone.

In general, though, any experience that challenges you or forces you out of your comfort zone will contribute to your growth .

Here are some examples of how you can demonstrate these types of experiences in the domains relevant to the HSF application:

• Academics : Again, difficult coursework, especially in your weaker subject areas, will challenge you intellectually. If you approach the challenge productively by seeking extra help from teachers and keeping up with your work, you’ll come across as a strong applicant. Letters of recommendation from appropriate teachers can really shed light on whether you seek out challenging academic experiences.
• Leadership: No one starts off as a leader in any club or activity; you have to work your way up by proving yourself and earning respect over time. Volunteer to take on new and challenging learning experiences in your extracurriculars. You can do this by leading a group, proposing an independent learning project, or even starting your own club or organization.
• Commitment to giving back to your community: How do you demonstrate commitment or passion to giving back? You do more than what’s required or expected of you. Do you feel that your school or community is missing a particular type of service group? For example, maybe you’ve noticed that the younger kids in your school community don’t have access to tutors or mentors for homework help, and you have a passion for education and teaching. This would be a great opportunity to give back to your community while also demonstrating real initiative and leadership.

Take every opportunity to describe personal growth and development - scholarships (and colleges) love to see this upwards trajectory.

Sometimes, leadership and community commitment go formally unrecognized. Although I know it’s difficult for some students to toot their own horns, formal awards, honors, and accolades can really help you boost scholarship and college applications.

Work on taking the above advice over the long term, but also try to actively seek out award opportunities in your community . You can do this by checking with your school's guidance counselor or by doing a Google search for any awards in your area.

Short-Term Considerations

If you're ready to start working on your applications, this section will be especially helpful. I'll break down the best ways to approach each part of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund application so you can optimize your chances of winning an award.

The actual essay prompts for the 2024-25 HSF scholarship application aren't available yet, but the HSF lists ideas for personal statements that will likely overlap with its own application essays.

You can use the following prompts to brainstorm before you have access to the actual application in January:

• What are your goals? Why did you choose these goals?
• Why did you choose to apply for HSF fund scholarships?
• What are your values and philosophy about education? Why?
• Are there any accomplishments (either in or out of school) that you're particularly proud of? What have you learned from these experiences?
• Do you have a time-management system? What is it?
• How do you schedule your time to include both academic and social activities?
• What difficulties or disadvantages have you faced in your life, and how have you overcome them? What is one area in which you are weak, and how have you or do you plan to overcome this weakness?
• Identify a leadership experience and talk about the most important lessons of the position and experience.
• What makes you unique?

Your actual scholarship essay will be evaluated on four different factors, which are as follows:

#1: Length : There’s a maximum word count for each essay. The best essays will use all the space available. While you don’t need to write the exact max number of words, you should try to get as close as possible to the maximum.

#2: Content : The essay prompts will be focused and direct; make sure your response is as well. If the prompt includes multiple parts, ensure that you’re answering each part of the prompt.

• Highlight the qualities that the HSF values in scholarship recipients, including academic achievement, personal strengths, leadership skills or experiences, and commitment to giving back to the community. Reference the section above for examples of activities, experiences, and challenges you could highlight.
• If there are any major weaknesses in your HSF application (such as a lack of leadership experiences or poor academic performance), use your essays to explain yourself . Don’t make excuses—keep your tone matter-of-fact, but optimistic.
• If you’ve experienced any extraordinary hardships or obstacles, mention them in your essays . It’s important that application readers have a full and comprehensive understanding of situational factors that could have affected different aspects of your application.

#3: Use of Examples : The examples you use in your essays should be personal (without being confessional) and relevant to the prompt. Your essay responses will be more engaging if, for example, you begin your writing with an anecdote or personal story.

#4: Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation: Errors are distracting and detract from the quality of your writing. Avoid mistakes by giving yourself plenty of time to write the essay. Have a trusted teacher or mentor edit and proofread your work, too.

This sign doesn't make a great first impression. Make sure your HSF essay does!

Letters of Recommendation

Your academic recommendation writer must be an instructor, an adviser, or someone who can evaluate you academically (e.g., your academic performance, motivation, plans and goals, etc.). Additional recommenders can be either academic or nonacademic.

Secondary recommendation writers must be able to evaluate your community service and extracurricular activities (e.g., your leadership, work ethic, or commitment). Recommendations from family members, family friends, and other close friends are discouraged by HSF.

Strong letters of recommendation are important for any application. Here’s how you can go about getting the best letters possible for an HSF award application:

#1: Ask the Right People : Ideal recommendation writers are those in educator/mentor positions and with whom you have a long, positive history. The best recommender will be excited to vouch for you.

If you have someone in mind, ask them to write your letters in such a way that they have an "out" if they’re not comfortable doing it. If they don’t have any positive things to say about you, they’ll end up writing a lukewarm letter, and this will really hurt your application.

Ask if they’d be comfortable writing you a "very strong" or "glowing" letter. This way, you'll know that if they decline or hesitate, you’re probably better off asking someone else to write you a letter.

You can ask more than one person to write you a letter of recommendation. This is potentially a great opportunity to present yourself as a well-rounded applicant. I advise you to ask for letters from two to three people; any more than that, though, and the HSF scholarship evaluators will have too much to read!

#2: Give Your Letter Writers Plenty of Advance Notice: Aim for 10-12 weeks, if possible. Since the deadline for HSF is in mid-February, you'll want to aim to ask for rec letters by mid-November.

What's Next?

Although the HSF application means you'll be considered for many scholarships, you don't want to stop there! To really optimize your chances of getting scholarship funding, you should apply to as many scholarship programs as possible.

The good news is that we have comprehensive guides to submitting the best applications for some of the nation's top scholarships. Read these to learn how to win the Gates Millennium Scholarship , the Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarships , the Walmart Scholarships , and the Coca-Cola Scholarship .

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

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The Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Everything You Need to Know

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The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) helps Latino students gain the knowledge and resources they need to achieve a college degree. Since 1975, the organization has provided Hispanic Americans with almost $588 million in scholarship funding, with individual awards ranging from $500-$5,000, depending on a student’s fiscal need. Moreover, the organization offers more than 150 types of scholarships for students with various interests and abilities, and the awards can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, school supplies, and even transportation to and from college. Read on to determine if you’re eligible for this award and then find out what steps you have to take to apply.

Who is Eligible for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund?

If you’re a student of Hispanic heritage who wants to obtain a college degree, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund could help you achieve your goals. To qualify for this award, an applicant must be at least 25% Hispanic or Latino and able to trace their heritage to a Latino country. Accepted nations include:

Note that the scholarships are awarded to U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, DACA students, and eligible non-citizens, as determined by FAFSA.

Additionally, students must meet various academic qualifications to receive an HSF award. At this time, the scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students who plan to enroll full time in accredited, non-profit undergraduate or graduate institutions for the current year. For high school students, the fund sets a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduate and graduate students need a 2.5 GPA to qualify.

While the HSF is open to students in all concentrations and graduate fields, applicants should be aware of the fact that the fund puts a significant emphasis on supporting STEM majors.

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How to Apply for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund 

Are you interested in applying for an HSF award? 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).

The deadline for Hispanic Scholarship Fund applications is typically in the last week of March or the first week of April. For 2020, applications are due on March 30, and selections are made beginning in May.

Tips for Applying to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

While most scholarships seek out exceptional students with promising futures, every awarding institution has its own preferences and goals. For the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the committee is especially focused on finding academic high achievers with well-rounded extracurricular resumes and a strong sense of direction. If you plan to apply for this HSF, check out these tips for increasing your odds of success.

Be a Leader

As part of its commitment to helping Hispanic students achieve success in underrepresented fields, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund seeks out applicants with a true talent for leadership. If you don’t currently hold a leadership role, think about running for student council, or submitting your name for an officer position in a club or sports group. Showing you’re a leader in one field may help convince the HSF that you can also succeed in other areas, like your chosen career.

Focus on STEM

In an effort to help Latino students make headway in the STEM fields, the HSF is particularly passionate about supporting students who hope to work in science and tech. Whether you plan to major in biology, math, engineering, or a related field, you can boost your odds of winning this coveted award by taking STEM AP, IB, and Honors classes. Additionally, you should seek out related extracurriculars. In particular, activities like Science Olympiad and Math League are likely to make the right impression.

Give Back to Your Community

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is eager to support students who give back. If you don’t already volunteer, look for an opportunity to help out at your school or in your community. For bonus points, choose an organization or cause related to your chosen career, such as tutoring elementary school students in math, or donating your time at your local hospital.

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Who Qualifies for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund?

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund takes applications from the following groups of students:

• High school seniors
• Early high school graduates and GED recipients*
• Community college and junior college students transferring to a four-year university**
• Undergraduate students (at any point in their degree)
• Graduate students
• Undergraduate and graduate students obtaining a second degree

Scholarships are available for students of all majors, but the HSF does favor STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

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* The HSF will accept applications from early high school graduates and GED recipients, but they must attend a four-year college or university in the upcoming fall term. 

** Students must be enrolled in a four-year university during the following fall term to qualify. They may apply for an HSF award while attending a community college, but they must attend a four-year college to receive the funding.

Eligibility Requirements for Hispanic Scholarship Fund Awards

To qualify for an HSF scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be of Hispanic Heritage
• Enroll full-time in a four-year university or graduate school for the upcoming fall semester
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for high school students and 2.5 for college students
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA or eligible non-citizen (See “ Do I Have to Be a U.S. Citizen? ” below)

While the HSF does not specify minimum test scores, applicants with high ACT and SAT scores are ranked higher than those with low scores. You can learn more about the ranking system in the section titled “Understanding the HSF Selection Process.”

Defining “Hispanic Heritage”

The HSF will only consider applicants that are at least 25% Hispanic/Latino. Applicants do not have to look a certain way, but they must be able to track one-quarter of their heritage to a Latino country. These countries 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, or Venezuela.

Do I Have to Be a U.S. Citizen to Get a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award?

No. The HSF offers awards to permanent legal residents, students who fall under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, and eligible non-citizens as defined by the U.S. Department of Education . If you do not fit those categories but think you may still be eligible, contact the HSF through your student dashboard. You will have access to this after you create a profile.

Eligibility for Specialized HSF Scholarships

There are many types of HSF scholarships. Some are open to all grades, majors, institutions, etc. Others are only available for a select group of students. Thus you may not qualify for all HSF awards, even if you qualify for some of them. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund will put you in as many categories as you may qualify for. If you qualify for more than one award, they will match you with the best one for your needs. Each applicant may only qualify for one award each year.

How Much Are HSF Scholarships Worth?

Are the Scholarships Need-Based or Merit-Based?

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers merit-based scholarships. Winners are selected based on academic excellence.

Additional Opportunities for HSF Award Winners

In addition to the scholarship itself, HSF winners have access to unique opportunities, such as:

• Scholar Conferences , which are annual conferences for STEM students, finance students, media students, and other categories
• HSF Events, such as Latinos United
• HSF Newsletter, which showcases volunteer opportunities and extracurricular activities
• Online courses to supplement standard college courses
• A career center that helps college students and graduates during their job and internship searches
• A mentor match program that sets students up with career professionals they can learn from
• Preferred applicant status in the next award year – getting an HSF award gives you a better chance at winning another one in the future!

What Does the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Look for?

In the selection process, the HSF mostly focuses on academic achievements. This includes GPA, test scores, and other marks of merit. The HSF will also consider personal strengths, such as participation in extracurricular activities. They consider acts of leadership (student council, club officer positions, etc.) and volunteer participation as well. The ideal applicant is well-rounded with great grades, great test scores, and strong goals for the future.

How to Apply for a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award

Documents You Need

You can speed up your application process by having all the necessary documents ready in advance. This include:

• A completed FAFSA. Check out our FAFSA guide for more information.  
• A copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR). You will get this once you complete your FAFSA.
• An essay. The application will provide an essay prompt asking about your goals, unique attributes, strengths, values, or other characteristics.
• Enrollment verification for the school you will be attending. You can get these from your school’s admissions office. If you do not have your enrollment verification yet, you can submit that in the summer after you have received your award notification.
• High school and college transcripts. Talk to your high school office about where to obtain an official copy of your transcript. Some schools store these documents, and others will refer you to a separate facility. To obtain your college transcripts, contact the registrar’s office. You may be able to request a copy on the school’s website.
• At least one letter of recommendation from an instructor, advisor or other academic influence. You may include additional letters of recommendation from academic or non-academic resources.
• Financial aid award letter from the college/university you will be attending. You may obtain this from the financial aid office. The HSF will not use this information to determine if you win an award, but they will use it to determine the amount.
• If you are a student with DACA status, you will need a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) . Learn more about this on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website.

When Is the Application Deadline?

Can I Update My Information after Submitting My Application?

You cannot update your application once it has been submitted. If you are selected as a finalist, you can update your information online. The HSF will send you an email notifying you that you are a finalist and they will ask you to verify your email address, mailing address, phone number, major and college of attendance.  

When Will the Winners Be Notified? Will I Be Notified If I Do Not Win?

Winners are typically notified via email in June or July. Non-winners are notified after the selection process is complete, which may be later in the year.

Understanding the HSF Selection Process

There is a secondary group of Finalists that become waitlisted. These students do not receive an award initially, but they may receive one if more funding becomes available. For instance, if the HSF receives a large donation at the end of the fall semester, students on the waitlist may receive funding for the spring semester. Waitlisted applicants get access to Scholar benefits, such as HSF events and conferences, even if they do not receive funding.  

What to Do If You Win a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award

If you were selected for a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award, you must submit and complete some follow-up documents. The HSF will email you instructions on what to do. One requirement will be to complete a Wells Fargo Payment Management profile online. The email with that information will be sent in August or September. After you complete this profile, the organization will send the funding to your school.

If you have not already submitted your Enrollment Verification, you will need to do so before the fall semester begins. Moreover, the HSF may request other documents based on your application. Check your email regularly and submit requested documents by the deadlines indicated.

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning an HSF Scholarship

Here are some tips to help you improve your chances of winning an HSF award:

• Sign up for an account now, even if the application is not available yet. The HSF may email you when the app is available, or you may check your account around November/early December to see an official date.
• Fill out your application as soon as possible. The application is usually available at the end of winter break or at the beginning of the spring semester. This is a slow time for most classes, so you should have plenty of time to apply.
• Complete your FAFSA before the application. You will need to do this every year that you apply.
• Take honors courses to boost your academic merit. This will help you rank better against other candidates.
• Choose leadership positions and extracurriculars that compliment your major. For instance, a criminal justice major may participate in Crime Stoppers. Having complimentary passions shows that you are heavily focused on your career.
• Focus on two or three long-term activities, rather than a handful of miscellaneous ones. While it helps to be well-rounded, it’s even more impressive to show longevity. Volunteer with the same organization several years in a row, and the HSF will see your commitment and drive.
• Submit a resume with your application. This is optional, but it helps your application look more professional. There are many free resume templates online that you can follow.
• Choose an impressive person to write your letter(s) of recommendation . This should be someone that can attest to your academic qualifications. It should also be someone who can construct a well-written letter, free of grammar and spelling errors. Think of who you would be most impressed by if you were reading the applications.
• Check and double check your application before submitting it. Once it has been submitted, you can’t update it. Have an instructor or advisor look over the app to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
• Be honest. Whether you’re writing a scholarship essay or filling out financial information, be honest in your answers. If they catch you in a lie, you will be immediately disqualified.

Only a small fraction of applicants are chosen for Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards every year. Do your due diligence to ensure you’re one of the chosen few.

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David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

About the scholarship.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship supports the education efforts of students with Hispanic heritage. High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students are welcome to apply.

• Essay Required : No
• Need-Based : No
• Merit-Based : No
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for high school students, minimum 2.5 GPA for undergraduate and graduate students
• U.S citizen, permanent resident, DACA, or eligible noncitizen (as defined by FAFSA)
• Seeking a bachelor's or graduate degree at a nonprofit 4-year university as a full-time student
• Country : US

Getting Into College , Paying for School

5 Easy Steps to Win a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award

Updated: January 12, 2024

Published: April 3, 2019

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund supports Hispanic students in earning their higher education. Find out how you can apply and be awarded in a few quick steps.

From 2000-2015, the number of Hispanic undergraduate enrollment nearly doubled to 3 million. As the largest minority group on most college campuses, university scholarships and organizations like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund exist to help pay for school for Hispanic students.

Depending on the scholarship you apply for, the requirements and eligibility will vary, but the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) exists to help students of Hispanic heritage afford an education. In addition, if HSF isn’t the right fit for you, there are plenty of additional scholarships geared toward Latino and Hispanic prospective students.

First, we’ll share what HSF is and how you can be awarded. Then, we’ll look at some alternative options for scholarships if you are of Hispanic descent.

                Source: Unsplash

What is the hispanic scholarship fund.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) was founded in 1975 and exists to empower Latinos and help support their higher educational journey, including scholarships and resources.

HSF is the nation’s largest organization that helps to assist Hispanics to afford education, and since its founding, HSF has awarded over $500 million in scholarship money.

Along with helping Hispanic students fund their college education, HSF provides resources to first prepare students for college and then also assist with tools upon graduation. For example, HSF has various Scholar Conferences that cover multiple subjects like Entrepreneurship, Finance, Media and Entertainment, and National Leadership. These opportunities allow students from all over to come together with a like-minded purpose and share ideas, network, and create bonds that have the potential to change the future!

Who is Eligible?

Since it serves as a scholarship fund, there are eligibility requirements to apply. If you do not fulfill the requirements, then it is advised to refrain from applying because these must be met to be considered. While all college majors are accepted, the awards are preferential to those in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. Applicants must also be:

• Of Hispanic heritage
• Enrolled full-time in a 4-year institution
• Hold at least a 3.0 GPA in high school, a 2.5 GPA in college
• Be a US citizen, legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen

Who is Qualified?

Since the fund is geared towards helping students achieve their higher education, they must be in a position to be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

You can apply for HSF if you are one of the following:

• High school senior
• Early graduate/GED Recipient
• Undergraduate and graduate students — primary or secondary degrees

What’s the Award Amount?

The award amount is merit-based according to academic excellence. The awards range from $500 to $5,000 and are decided by assessing an applicant’s overall GPA, test scores, and well-roundedness along with their goals.

When to Apply?

The scholarship application opens on January 1 with a deadline of February 15. Finalists are chosen between March and April, with the selection made in May. Awards are distributed from October to December.

Tips to Win

As with all scholarships , there are ways to set yourself ahead of the curve and well-position an applicant to win the award amount. Here’s a look at some useful tips.

1. Be Proactive:

Sign up ASAP and fill out an application even if it’s not open yet.

2. Challenging Coursework:

Take honors and AP courses to show the challenging academic environment and focus on getting good grades.

3. Be a Leader:

Choose extracurricular activities, join groups, and lead in aspects that relate to your intended major.

4. Recommendations:

Build a close relationship with a teacher, professor, or employer, and have them write a strong letter of recommendation that really highlights your differentiating skills.

5. Detail-Oriented:

Be sure to double-check your application, have someone else you trust look over it, and also be honest in everything you write.

               Source: Unsplash

Checklist to apply.

When applying for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, be sure to have the following items prepared. It’s useful to prepare these well in advance of any deadlines so that missing an item cannot disqualify you from being awarded. Items include:

• Complete FAFSA
• A copy of the SAR report
• Verified enrollment
• High school and college transcripts
• Letter of recommendation
• Financial aid letter from the financial aid office at your school

Other Hispanic Scholarship Options

HSF is not the only option for students of Hispanic descent. There are many scholarships available that are dedicated to Hispanic women, men, and veterans.

Here’s a look at a few of them:

1. Botari Women’s Scholarship Fund

For Brazilian women who are pursuing an associate degree at the University of the People, the Botari Women’s Scholarship Fund covers up to 10 course assessment fees. At UoPeople, it is tuition-free, so the only costs associated with earning one’s degree come from a one-time $60 application fee plus ($100 for undergrad or $200 for graduate) per course assessment fees. However, for women who are awarded this scholarship, 10-course assessment fees will be fully covered.

2. Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship

Awarded to Latina students, this foundation offers 30-40 students merit-based scholarships for up to $1,500 to help pay for their college. The winners are selected based on the following criteria:

• They’ve shown their dedication to establishing equality for Chicana and Latina women
• They have demonstrated leadership experience
• They showcase their goals clearly and have overcome personal challenges
• They boast strong academic achievement
• They can participate in the annual Leadership Institute

3. AMS Minority Scholarship

The AMS Minority Scholarship is awarded to students who have been underrepresented in sciences. This includes Hispanic, Black/African American, and Native American students. The $6,000 award is distributed equally in two years during one’s Freshman and Sophomore years of school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must also be pursuing degrees in atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

Like the University of the People, these scholarship funders believe that one’s education should never be halted because of financial ability. Although scholarships are competitive by nature, the fact that students are eligible because of their heritage shows that diversity in education is important and a main focus of many. If you’re unsure of any scholarship, your college of choice will be happy to answer any questions or concerns as they are well-prepared with financial aid departments.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, hispanic scholarship fund resources.

Hi friends! I'm interested in applying to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and I heard there are some resources available to help with the application. Can someone point me in the right direction for these resources or share any personal experiences with the application process? Thanks!

Hello! It's great to hear that you're interested in applying for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). HSF offers a variety of resources to help you through the application process. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

1. Visit the HSF website: The official HSF website (hsf.net) is the best place to start. It provides detailed information about eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and award amounts. Make sure to carefully read through the guidelines and FAQs.

2. HSF Webinars: HSF often hosts webinars and workshops to help applicants prepare, and these events cover important topics like navigating the application process, writing effective essays, and understanding the financial aid options. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels for information on upcoming events.

3. CollegeVine: CollegeVine is well-equipped to guide you through the scholarship application process. Their free services, blogs, and webinars contain valuable information, advice, and tips on how to improve your application. This can also be helpful when you're crafting your essays and gathering documentation for the HSF.

4. Reach out to HSF Alumni: Connecting with previous HSF award recipients can provide you with valuable insights into the application process and what the selection committee is looking for in potential scholars. Using platforms like LinkedIn or reaching out to your school counselor can help you connect with HSF alumni who can share their experiences and advice.

5. Use your school's resources: Your high school counselor or college adviser is an excellent source of information about scholarships and financial aid opportunities like the HSF. They can help you review your application, provide feedback on your essays, and ensure you understand financial aid terminology.

Remember to start your application early, gather all necessary documents, and invest time in writing thoughtful and engaging essays. Best of luck with your Hispanic Scholarship Fund application!

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Scholar FAQs

Back to Help Center

• Scholar Conferences

What conferences are available to HSF Scholars?

National Leadership Conference (NLC)

Entrepreneurship Summit

STEM Summit

Finance Conference

Media and Entertainment Summit

• Heathcare Summit (coming 2021)

What are the differences between each conference?

• The National Leadership Conference (NLC) provides an inside track to the best and brightest HSF Scholars, through a combination of mentoring, professional insights, and career guidance.
• The HSF Entrepreneurship Summit is an annual conference that introduces HSF Scholars to the value and importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset. During the conference, Scholars are empowered with knowledge and experiences that enable them to be entrepreneurial in any setting or career they pursue.
• The HSF STEM Summit is an annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math conference that gives the best and brightest HSF Scholars with an interest in one or more STEM fields, an inside track to career success, through a combination of mentoring, professional insights, and career guidance.
• The annual HSF Finance Conference exposes HSF Scholars interested in the field, to specialized industry knowledge and career opportunities in finance, including commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, private equity, and other finance-related fields.
• The HSF Media and Entertainment Summit is an annual conference that exposes HSF Scholars interested in the field, to specialized industry knowledge and career opportunities.

Healthcare Summit

• The HSF Healthcare Summit, coming in 2021, will be an annual conference that brings together outstanding HSF Scholars passionately interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.

When are the conferences?

• July 30 – August 2, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA
• March 26 – 29, 2020 – San Jose, CA
• September 10 – 13, 2020 – San Jose, CA
• October 8 – 11, 2020 – New York, NY

November 12 – 15, 2020 – Hollywood, CA

Why should I attend?

By participating in NLC you can…

• Learn about and explore top-tier internship, leadership, and career opportunities
• Participate in comprehensive professional skills training workshops
• Interact and network with leading industry professionals
• Form lasting friendships with the best and brightest HSF Scholars from around the country
• Be mentored by outstanding professionals representing a range of fields
• Learn about the journeys of prominent business leaders, and participate in Q&A sessions

By participating in the Entrepreneurship Summit you can…

• Interact and network with leading professionals
• Be mentored by outstanding professionals representing a variety of fields
• Learn about the journeys of prominent business leaders, and participate in Q&A sessions 

By participating in the STEM Summit you can…

• Explore opportunities in STEM-related fields
• Be mentored by outstanding professionals representing STEM-related fields

By participating in the Finance Conference you can…

• Explore opportunities in finance, asset management, private equity and other finance-related fields
• Be mentored by outstanding professionals representing finance-related fields

By participating in the Media and Entertainment Summit you can…

• Explore opportunities in media and entertainment related fields
• Be mentored by outstanding professionals representing media and entertainment-related fields

Who is invited to apply to the conferences?

To be invited to apply to a conference, you must be a current HSF Scholar in good standing, have demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership potential, and meet the eligibility requirements. Please refer to the eligibility requirements listed in the FAQs.

Will I receive an invitation to apply?

Yes! HSF Scholars who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an email from HSF with an invitation to apply.

How do I apply?

To apply, log in to your MyHSF profile. 

What is the application process?

• If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive an invitation to apply
• You must submit your application by the stated deadline, along with all required documents, including essays and headshots
• Once the selection committee has reviewed your submission, you will be notified via email of our decision
• If selected, you will be asked to confirm your participation and provide corresponding documents
• Once HSF receives your confirmation and all required documents, you will receive a program itinerary and event logistics

When are the applications for the various conferences due?

If you are invited to apply for a conference, the application deadline will be included in the email invitation.

Can I apply to multiple conferences?

No. You will receive an invitation email for the one conference for which you qualify. 

Can I be selected to attend more than one conference?

No, you are only selected to attend one conference.

Do I have to major in a STEM-related field to participate in the STEM Summit?

Preference will be given to scholars pursuing career opportunities in STEM.

Do I have to major in finance to participate in the Finance Conference?

Preference will be given to scholars pursuing career opportunities in finance.

Do I have to major in a Media and Entertainment related major to participate in the Media and Entertainment Summit?

Preference will be given to scholars pursuing career opportunities in Media and Entertainment.

Do I have to attend every day of the conference? What if I cannot attend every day of the conference?

Yes. Scholars must be able to attend a conference in its entirety. This includes all sessions, group activities, and workshops. If you cannot attend an entire conference, you will not be permitted to attend, at all.

Do I have to pay for anything?

No. HSF will pay for all meals, transportation, and room & board costs for the duration of the conference. However, HSF will neither pay nor reimburse you for any unrelated expenses. 

What is the conference attire?

Business professional. If you are selected to attend the conference you will receive a welcome packet with further instructions.

Will meals be provided?

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be provided during the conference.

How can I communicate with HSF?

All conference communication will be conducted via email, only. Please check your inbox regularly for updates on the status of your application. If you have additional questions, please refer to the program FAQ’s or send us a message via our message center . 

What are the eligibility requirements?

Requirements vary by program. You can view the specific eligibility requirements for each Scholar Conference here .

I meet the eligibility requirements, why wasn’t I invited to apply?

HSF Scholars who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an email from HSF with an invitation to apply. Please make sure all of your information such as email address, class level, declared major, and GPA are up to date on your MyHSF account.

May I apply if I have already attended any of HSF’s previous conferences?

No. Only Scholars who have not previously attended an HSF conference and meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to apply.

If I am not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, am I eligible to apply?

If you are an HSF Scholar and have a valid form of identification to travel to the conference, you may apply.

If I am a refugee or have established asylum status, am I eligible to apply?

If i am studying abroad during the time of the conference, will hsf cover the cost of my international flight/transportation.

Yes. HSF may provide international transportation costs on a case by case basis.

I am older than the traditional college student. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. Scholars who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to apply, regardless of age. 

HSF Scholars who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an email from HSF with an invitation to apply. To apply, click on the application link provided in your invitation email.

Where can I find the application?

A link for the application can be found on your invitation email.

Do I need to submit essays?

Yes. Each conference application requires two essays.

Why am I not able to access the application?

If you have been invited to apply and are experiencing technical difficulties, please log in to your MyHSF profile and contact us through the message center. A member of our team will get back to you. 

Why is HSF asking me to submit my employment information?

HSF will use employment information to support Scholars in obtaining internship and entry-level employment opportunities.

I submitted my application, can I edit my information?

No. Once the application is submitted, you cannot edit the information. However, if you are selected, we will ask you to confirm your address and any other pertinent information at a later time, so you need not be concerned if that information has changed since your submission.

What supporting documents will I need to submit?

You will be notified about the need to submit supporting documentation when you are invited to apply, and again, if you are selected to attend a conference.

I am concerned about uploading my personal documents into my application. Do you recommend that I encrypt my files in order to protect my information?

No. HSF’s online system is completely secure. Encrypted documents lead to disruptions in the application review process. If you have any concerns regarding the security of your application, please contact us through the message center .

Can I fax or mail my required documents?

No.  Documents sent by fax will not be accepted. Documents sent via U.S. mail will not be accepted. Only documents uploaded electronically into the applicant’s Document Bank will be accepted.

How do I update my online application if my personal information changes?

Once your application has been submitted, you will not be allowed to make any changes. If your information changes and you are selected, you will be able to update your information at a later time.

When will I know if I am selected to attend a conference?

Scholars will be notified of their acceptance via email as soon as selections have been made.

Will I be notified if I do not get selected?

Due to a high volume of applicants, only students who are selected will receive immediate notification via email. We will make every effort to notify those who were not selected. 

My application and supporting documentation have been submitted, what are my next steps?

The HSF Conference selection committee will review all applications. If you are selected, we will notify you of the next steps via email. 

What is required for acceptance and confirmation?

If you are selected, you will be asked to accept your invitation and to confirm that you will participate in the conference. You will be asked to submit additional documents, update your contact information, and complete the required homework assignment prior to the conference.

I have a really high GPA and consider myself a strong candidate. Why wasn’t I invited to attend?

HSF Scholars are amongst the top students in the nation, and selections are highly competitive. We receive many more qualified applicants than can be accommodated at any of the conferences. The HSF Conference selection committees use a rigorous selection process to choose a limited number of participants for each conference.

Does HSF offer transportation to the conference/s?

Yes. HSF will offer transportation to the conferences as needed. Students who are selected will be contacted to provide information about their travel needs. HSF will work with each student to arrange the best form of transportation to the event.

Will HSF provide hotel accommodations?

Yes. HSF will provide hotel accommodations for all students who are participating in a conference. 

What if I accepted but can no longer attend the conference?

Scholars must make every effort to evaluate the opportunity before accepting. If you cannot attend the event or it conflicts with another activity, do not confirm. Scholars who accept and then cancel will be responsible for covering 100% of the costs incurred by HSF for this reason. Until funds are repaid, all HSF Scholar privileges will be suspended.                                               

I have additional questions about the conferences; how/who do I ask?

If you have additional questions, please contact us through the message center .

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Offered by Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Multiple awards worth

$500 - $5,000

Grade level

High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Expected deadline: This scholarship might not currently be accepting applications. Most scholarship programs only accept applications a few months ahead of their annual deadline. We’ve estimated this deadline based on last year’s deadline in order to help you plan out your scholarship applications.

February 2025

Scholarship Overview

Are you a Hispanic student planning on enrolling full-time in a four-year university or graduate school for the upcoming school year? If so, consider applying to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund!  Every year, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund selects ~10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants. HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training. HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students. Keep on reading to learn more!

Eligibility information

In addition to the below criteria, specific scholarships may have additional eligibility requirements that applicants must meet.

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Hispanic/Latino

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

Application information.

In addition to the below materials, specific scholarships may have additional application materials that applicants must submit.

Proof of enrollment

Academic transcript

Letter of Recommendation

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Scholarship FAQ

Is this scholarship open to international students, when will the winner of this scholarship be announced, who should i contact with any questions about this scholarship, is this scholarship renewable, where can i find help writing my scholarship essay.

While you wait for this scholarship to reopen, try applying to some additional opportunities

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Center for Mexican American and Latino/a Studies

• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Fellowships/Scholarships

Scholarships/fellowships directory.

University of Houston 3553 Cullen Boulevard Room 323 Houston, TX 77204-3001 Phone: (713) 743-3136

• Support HSF
• Scholar Program

Student & Parent Programs

• Youth Leadership Institute
• Road to College
• College 101
• College Camp
• Youth Leadership Consortium
• Career Connection Days

Youth Leadership Institute (YLI)

The 2024 YLI student application is now closed. All applicants will be notified of their admission decision via email by late March.

YLI is a free, college empowerment program for high achieving Latino high school juniors, held virtually and at two top universities across the US. This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and set a course for academic and career success. Attendees will enhance their leadership abilities and expand their professional networks by participating in college and career workshops, and interacting with college students and professionals who serve as their mentors.

It is entirely FREE for students to apply and participate:

• HSF and the host institution provide you housing: 5 days, on-campus, in the YLI dorm at one of the host university - University of Southern California or Loyola Marymount University.
• HSF and the host university provide all meals on-campus and program materials.
• If you need transportation assistance, HSF will cover the cost of your roundtrip airfare, from your city to YLI.

Student Eligibility:

• Current high school junior (Class of 2025), attending high school in the United States or a US Territory
• Must have an unweighted cumulative GPA above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or above an 80 on a 100-point scale
• Identify as being of Hispanic heritage
• Must be U.S. Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, or DACA
• Plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university after high school graduation

How to Apply:

• Create a myHSF Profile  and under “Role” select “Student”
• Select “High School Junior” under the “Class Level” section and create your account.
• Verify your account by clicking “Verify my email!” in the email that HSF sends you.
• Once you log into your MyHSF profile, you will see the “YLI 2024 Student Application” on your Dashboard.

Details for YLI 2024

YLI 2024 has two components, and students are required to fully attend both:

• Virtual component via zoom (2 days)
• Followed by an in-person component on a college campus (5 days) a couple of weeks later

IMPORTANT : To be eligible to participate in the 5-day in-person component of the program, students must have fully participated in the 2-day virtual component. Failure to successfully complete the virtual component via zoom will lead to dismissal and inability to participate in the in-person component. We do not have any other virtual component dates, and we are unable to make any exceptions.

VIRTUAL COMPONENT DATES (all required, via zoom)

• Code of Conduct Acceptance & Orientation: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM Pacific Time
• Virtual YLI: Saturday, May 4, 2024 & Sunday, May 5, 2024, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Pacific Time each day (with short breaks throughout the day)

IN-PERSON COMPONENT DATES & LOCATIONS (required)

HSF will be hosting the in-person component of YLI 2024 at:

• YLI #1 (University of Southern California):  Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Sunday, June 30, 2024.
• YLI #2 (Loyola Marymount University):  Wednesday, July 17, 2024 – Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Admitted students can only attend ONE in-person location:

• In their YLI application, students will be asked to note their preferred location for the in-person component of the YLI.
• Within the application, students can also note if only one of the location & dates works for their summer schedule.
• Students admitted to the YLI program will be notified of which in-person location they were assigned to, via their YLI admission email.

We encourage you to watch the YLI video below!  Questions? Please  Contact Us

Local Presenting Sponsor

Upcoming events

Youth leadership institute - usc (in-person).

University of Southern California

Jun 26-30, 2024

08:00am - 10:00pm PDT

This highly selective program is designed to give young leaders the practical tools they need to successfully apply to top universities, have full access to scholarship and financial aid opportunit...

Youth Leadership Institute - LMU (In Person)

Loyola Marymount University

Jul 17-21, 2024