Scholarships & Resources for Hispanic & Latino Students
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Paying for college is a tough task. The good news is that there are a tons of financial aid options available to help — including scholarships and grants. This guide will introduce you to 20 of the best scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students available today. We’ve included information on lots of great resources geared toward your academic and career success as well.
Scholarships for Hispanic & Latino Students
Grants and scholarships are similar in that they both work as essentially free money for your education since neither is paid back.
And while the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them. Generally speaking most scholarships are awarded based on merit, while grants are typically awarded based on financial need.
This guide focuses primarily on scholarships, but you will find mention of grants as well. So, keep in mind the similarities and differences between the two as you go through the scholarship programs listed below.
General Scholarships
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Varies (typically around $5,000)
March
Eligibility
For students from Ottawa and Kent County, Michigan, who are of Mexican heritage and will be attending an accredited college or university to earn an undergraduate degree. Applicants must show financial need and have a 2.75 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
One application allows students to apply to more than 70 GRCF scholarships. The application requires an essay, transcripts, and evidence of family income. Apply online here.
United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
$1,000
December
Eligibility
Requires at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry, demonstrated financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student in an undergraduate program. U.S. citizenship is not required.
How to Apply
In addition to the application, students must complete two essays (one on the student’s background, one on the subject of leadership) and provide a picture, resume, and unofficial transcript.
Orange County Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund
Up to $2,500
February
Eligibility
Open to Orange County, California high school graduates and community college transfer students (and residents of Orange County for at least three years) of Hispanic heritage planning to enroll full-time at a four-year college or university. Applicant must additionally be a U.S. citizen (or legal resident) and demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Apply online via the application portal on the scholarship website.
The Gates Scholarship
Varies
September
Eligibility
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Additionally, applicant must be a high school senior, a Hispanic American or member of another ethnic minority, and have a minimum 3.3 GPA.
How to Apply
Apply online via the application link on the scholarship webpage. Applicant must provide evidence that they are Pell Grant-eligible and may be required to submit to an interview as a part of the selection process.
Colgate-Palmolive and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Up to $4,000
November
Eligibility
Open to graduating high school seniors of Hispanic heritage with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualify under DACA, and demonstrate leadership and dedication to their community.
How to Apply
Follow the link on the scholarship website to apply online. Application requirements include recommendations, an essay, and applicable transcripts.
Medical and Health Scholarships
American College of Healthcare Executives
$5,000
March
Eligibility
Open to racially/ethnically diverse students with financial need who are enrolled full-time in a graduate healthcare management program like an MPH program, MHA program, or MBA in Healthcare Administration or Management . Applicant must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or Canadian citizen.
How to Apply
Complete the online application. Requirements include three letters of recommendation, an essay, resume, and relevant academic transcripts.
The BECA Foundation
$500 to $2,000
March
Eligibility
Applicants must be entering a medical or healthcare profession degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level and living or attending high school or college in San Diego County. Award based on scholastic determination, financial need, and cultural/community awareness.
How to Apply
Complete the online application and provide two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, a personal statement, and family financial information.
Oncology Nursing Foundation
$3,000
February
Eligibility
Applicant must be a current RN committed to oncology nursing and enrolled in, accepted to, or have applied to a nursing bachelor’s degree program (including RN to BSN and accelerated BSN programs).
How to Apply
Apply online via the scholarship webpage. Application includes submittal of a letter of reference and answering an essay question.
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.
$2,000
October
Eligibility
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled at an accredited medical school (at least one semester completed and with a minimum 3.0 GPA) and part of a racial or ethnic minority or committed to issues of diversity within their community.
How to Apply
Apply on the scholarship website. Requirements include a completed application, essay, and copy of the applicant’s medical school transcript.
Fontana Transport Inc.
Up to $5,000
March
Eligibility
Applicant must be a first generation high school senior (with 3.5 or higher GPA) from an underrepresented group and with financial need who plans to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at a four-year accredited university in any of nine areas of study, including pre-med. U.S. citizenship is not required.
How to Apply
Apply online via the application portal on the scholarship’s home page. Letter of recommendation from a faculty member is not required, but strongly recommended.
5 Keys to Landing Your Scholarship
There are a lot of scholarships out there, but there are also a lot of students applying for them. That’s why your application needs to be as perfect as possible.
Depending on the level of competition and the committee reviewing applications, one small mistake – like a late submission or even a typo – could very well make the difference between an award and a rejection.
To increase your chances of landing a scholarship award, consider the following application tips:
- Key #1: Revise, revise, revise!
Most applications require a lot of information, including an essay. The best essays are those that go through multiple revisions and are reviewed by at least two people you trust (teachers, English majors, etc.) before submittal. - Key #2: Pay close attention to application directions
Always follow all application instructions to a T. And if there’s something in them that doesn’t make sense, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. - Key #3: Start early
As we said, most applications require a lot of information and submitted materials, so the earlier you get started on them, the better. That way you won’t run the risk of missing a critical submittal deadline. - Key #4: Apply locally
Many local scholarships get overlooked because they are less well-known and come with smaller award amounts. But that also means that by applying to them, you statistically increase your chances of winning them. - Key #5: Update your social media presence
Scholarship committees do their homework, and that includes checking the social media presence of applicants. So, if there’s anything you’ve posted out there that you prefer they don’t see, make sure you delete it before submitting your application.
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College Resources for Hispanic Students
There are tons of great resources out there to help Hispanic and Latino students. The trick is finding them and making the most of what they have to offer.
To facilitate your resource search, we’ve compiled the following list of online resources that can be helpful in a variety of ways, including professional and educational development, networking opportunities, and financial assistance.
Academic & Career
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)
HACE’s mission is to advocate on behalf of Latino professionals. This includes promoting development and employment prospects through the use of networking and matching individuals with career opportunities. - Hispanic Dental Association (HDA)
Consisting of professional and student members, the HDA works to improve Hispanic oral health through education, leadership, and social work. - United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI)
The USHLI supports and promotes the interests of Latinos and other minority groups through research, education, and leadership initiatives.
Social & Networking
- Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA)
ALPFA prides itself as being the first national Latino professional organization. Its membership consists of both students and professionals working to promote the interests of Latino and Latina business leaders. - Prospanica
Prospanica’s mission is to help Hispanic individuals reach their professional goals. The organization offers a host of resources including scholarship, community service, and career management opportunities. - Sigma Delta Pi
National Hispanic honor society for students who wish to make the most of their studies of the Spanish language and obtain a better understanding of Hispanic culture.
Advocacy & Diversity
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
The non-partisan CHCI works to facilitate the creation and organization of educational programs and leadership development opportunities for Hispanic students. - National Hispanic Institute (NHI)
Through the use of community involvement and leadership, the NHI educates youth to excel professionally, academically, and personally. - UnidosUS
With a network of over 300 affiliates nationwide, UnidosUS advocates on behalf of Hispanic communities through research, policy, and community outreach programs.
Healthcare Education
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
The AMSA is an organization for future doctors and physicians offering a host of resources, including educational, networking, and professional development opportunities. - HOSA
Through education assistance, professional collaboration, and experiential learning, HOSA helps Hispanic professionals improve the international health community. - The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
The LMSA represents the interests of Latino and Latina medical students. Activities include advocacy and financial assistance.
