Many organizations and universities offer both need and merit-based scholarships that are designed to aid and encourage Hispanic and Latinx students specifically to pursue higher education and to continue to break into fields that are mostly dominated by non-minority groups. These scholarships are available across a wide variety of majors and areas of interest, ranging from Journalism to Nursing to Engineering.
So, what can you expect to have to submit in order to be considered for one (or more) of these scholarships?
The most important qualifying factor when determining your eligibility to apply for Hispanic or Latinx-specific scholarships is having Hispanic or Latino heritage!
Most scholarships typically require a minimum GPA to apply, such as 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 out of 4.0. The required minimum will often vary depending on how competitive the scholarship is, or how many scholarships are being awarded.
While some applications may only prompt you to enter in your GPA, most will require you to upload an official or unofficial transcript that verifies your GPA and grades in specific courses.
Depending on the type of scholarship (state, federal etc.), the scholarship application may require you to show proof that you are a U.S. citizen or that you are a legal permanent resident of the U.S.
While some scholarships are open to only U.S. citizens and permanent residents, others are open to international and undocumented students as well.
While some scholarships may only ask you to submit a resume in order to be considered, others will ask that you answer one or more essays that are tailored specifically to the focus of the scholarship.
For example, if you are a journalism student and you are applying for a scholarship to help fund your college degree in this subject area, an essay question may ask you to reflect on your proudest achievement thus far that is related to journalism.
Ultimately, the essay questions that organizations or universities require are ones that will help them to get a better idea of who you are, what you are hoping to achieve, and why you deserve the scholarship.
One or more letters of recommendation may be required so the university or organization can “double-check” that your accomplishments and credentials are in fact what you indicated on your resume or in your essays. Common sources for letters of recommendation are professors or teachers, employers, and leaders from extracurricular activities.
Generally, if you are applying for a need-based scholarship, the organization will require you to submit proof that you are in fact in need of the scholarship, which can generally be accomplished through filling out the FAFSA.
Now that you know a little more about the requirements to apply to these scholarships, let's dive right into some great Hispanic scholarships.
Average amount awarded: $2,000
Application deadline: January 10
-Must be a Colorado resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA
-U.S. citizenship is not required to apply (DACA and undocumented students are encouraged to apply)
-Recipients are selected based on financial need, leadership potential, and character, and service to the community
Average amount awarded: $500 - $5,000
Application deadline: January 22
-Open to Wichita metro-area high school seniors
-Must be of Hispanic heritage
Average amount awarded: $25,000
Application deadline: February 3
Number of scholarships awarded: 30
-This scholarship is for Hispanic students in their senior year of high school (under 21 years of age)
-Must be a US resident
-Minimum 2.8 GPA
Average amount awarded: $5,000
Application deadline: February 1
-Scholarship established to help African American, Hispanic, Native American, and minority students of other cultural and ethnic backgrounds
-For students pursuing a major in landscape architecture education as a graduate student or in the final two years of undergraduate study
Average amount awarded: Varies ($1,500 - $10,000)
Application deadline: February 5
Number awarded last year: N/A
-Award for high school seniors, college undergraduates, and first-year graduate students who are pursuing careers in English- or Spanish-language print, photo, broadcast, or online journalism
-Must have a GPA of 3.0
Average amount awarded: up to $5,000
Application deadline: February 15
-Merit-based award for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, or DACA of Hispanic heritage
-Must have plans to enroll full time in an accredited U.S. 4-year university in the upcoming academic year
-Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA for undergraduate and graduate students and a 3.0 GPA for high school students
-Must complete FAFSA or state-based financial aid (if available)
Average amount awarded: Varies ($1,000 - $7,000)
Application deadline: March 17
-This scholarship is for students currently enrolled at a Pennsylvania college or university with a declared major in Accounting
-Minimum 3.0 GPA
Average amount awarded: up to $30,000
Application deadline: March 19
Number of scholarships awarded: up to 100
-This scholarship is for Latino/a students who are pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field
-Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated financial need
-DACA recipients who are also AB 540 students are eligible to apply
Average amount awarded: $1,500
Application deadline: March 31
-For Latina and/or Chicana students enrolled at an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo
-Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA (community college and undergraduate students) or 2.7 GPA (graduate students)
Average amount awarded: $2,000
Application deadline: April 1
-Must be a Florida resident intent on pursuing a degree at an eligible postsecondary institution
-Undergraduate applicants must apply in their senior year of high school
-Graduate students may also apply but priority is given to undergraduate students
-You must submit the FAFSA and demonstrate a minimum of $2,000 in financial need to be eligible
Average amount awarded: $10,000
Application deadline: April 15
-Awarded to a Hispanic or Latino student pursuing a career in any aspect of the television industry
Average amount awarded: $500 - $10,000
Application deadline: April 30
-This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field
-Applicants must either be of Hispanic descent and/or demonstrate significant leadership/service within the underserved community
-Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply
Average amount awarded: Varies
Application deadline: May 1
-For academically competitive students who are identified as members of any of the following ethnic/racial groups: African American; American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; or Hispanic
-Scholarship selection is based on financial need as determined by federal methodology
Average amount awarded: $2,765
Application deadline: May 24
Number awarded last year: 68
-To be eligible, students must attend a HACU member college or university and meet all additional criteria
Average amount awarded: $5,000
Application deadline: July 6
-Open to permanent legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18 or older and of Latino descent, that are currently enrolled full-time in a college or university
Average amount awarded: $1,000
Application deadline: October 15
-Open to students enrolled on a full-time basis, in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university. Minimum 2.8 GPA. See application page for the list of eligible degrees.
Average amount awarded: $3,500
Application deadline: December 2
-Open to Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their focus in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Science, Technology, and Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)
-Minimum 3.0 GPA
-Open to US residents and students with DACA status
Average amount awarded: $2,500
Application deadline: December 15
-Scholarships recipients are recent graduates of North Carolina high schools who are of Hispanic/Latino background
-Preference will be given to foreign-born applicants or the native-born children of foreign-born parents
Average amount awarded: up to 50% off program fees
Application deadline: Varies depending on the semester abroad
-Scholarships for outstanding Hispanic students looking to study abroad during college
-Students must meet all of the AIFS study abroad requirements to apply
-Minimum 3.0 GPA.
If you're looking for more scholarships like these, check out our other post on Celebrating Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month or start your own custom search!