Between 1993 and 2014, the enrollment of Latinos in college rose substantially. In 1993, only 22 percent of Latinos aged 18 to 24 attended either a two- or four-year college, according to Pew. By 2014, the number jumped to 35 percent, which accounted for about 2.3 million Latino students. And while enrollment for Latinos continues to grow, the cost of higher education can still prevent some from attending college – or it may push others into taking on onerous loans.
By now, many scholarship deadlines have come and gone, but we found eight specifically meant for Latino students that may provide a little bit of relief in the upcoming school year.
1
El Café del Futuro Latino Scholarship
Deadline: May 26, 2017
The application for El Café del Futuro Latino Scholarship – funded by Café Bustelo – is on the simpler side, at least for the first round. It asks applicants to write a 800-word essay about Latinidad. “Describe how your Latino heritage, family, and the community in which you grew up have impacted your desire and motivation to obtain a college degree. Additionally, describe what you intend to accomplish with your degree and how you will give back to your community,” the essay question reads.
After the May 26 deadline, a committee will narrow down the applications to 20, who will have to submit a letter of recommendation, an enrollment verification form, and an official transcript. Bustelo will dole out $5,000 to nine recipients.
The application is only open to students who are 18 or older and attending a school in the mainland United States, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Students must be enrolled in a school that’s a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and University. Check out the full list here. And if you’re eligible, apply here. And don’t forget to read all the terms and conditions here.
2
Big Red ¡Avance! Scholarship
Deadline: May 26, 2017
Working with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Big Red’s offering five $1,000 scholarships. The scholarship is open to students who are US citizens students and have a 3.0 GPA. Students must be enrolled in a school that’s a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and University. Check out the full list here. And if you’re eligible, apply here.
3
The PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 31, 2017
The PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund is open to both incoming and current undergraduate students (regardless of immigration status) attending school in Arizona or California. The fund – which provides $5,000 a year for 10 recipients – is open to students with GPAs of 3.0 or above. It also takes leadership and extracurricular activities into consideration.
“They are designed to supplement the students’ financial resources from family, government, and other sources,” Chavez’s site states. “The intent is to fill the gaps our students encounter in financing a college education. We hope that these scholarships will result in better educational and, ultimately, economic opportunities for Latinos in America.”
The recipients will be honored at the annual Si Se Puede Gala, and will need to complete 30 hours of community service in the 12 months after receiving the award. The application requires a two letters of recommendations and an essay.
To apply, fill out the application and student financial form by the May 31 deadline.
4
The Hispanic Women's Council Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 1
Since 2007, the Hispanic Women’s Council Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships and provided mentorships to the Latina residents of New Mexico. The scholarship is open to Latinas attending either the University of New Mexico or Central New Mexico Community College.
Learn more about the scholarship and apply here.
5
Latinos United for College Education Scholarships
Due Date: June 9, 2017
The goal of the Latinos United for College Education Scholarship is to “promote and advocate for the higher educational advancement of Latinos through the provision or merit and need-based scholarships.” This scholarship is open to those who are either enrolled in college or about to begin. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in a school in Wisconsin. Recipients are awarded between $750 to $1,000 for a semester
Learn more and apply to the scholarship here.
6
Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship
Deadline: July 1
The Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship is open to students with “a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college.” The scholarship hopes to ease financial burden, so that the children of migrant farmworker’s can attain a bachelor’s degree without burdensome debt.
The amount varies. Apply here.
7
Buenas Opiniones' Scholarship for Latino Students
Deadline: August 31, 2017
High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students can apply for this Buenas Opiniones scholarships. Recipients may earn as much as $2,500 per year for up to four years. “Though there are continued cultural, economic, and societal barriers to educational success, students of Hispanic descent have recently made significant gains, and Buenas Opiniones would like to contribute to that momentum,” the site reads.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit an essay about the obstacles they faced as Latino students. Learn more about the scholarship here.
8
2017 Youth Awards
Deadline: October 2, 2017
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation has awarded Latino high school students grants for nearly two decades now. For the 2017 edition, it’s giving out three grants for students living in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC. This award is only open to students with an unweighted 3.0 GPA who will graduate high school in the spring of 2018. It’s open to students with Hispanic heritage, as well as those with Filipino and Brazilian ancestry.
Learn more about the scholarship requirements here and apply here.
For more scholarships for Latino students, check out World Scholarship Forum and Best Colleges.