7 Spring College Scholarships Latino Students Should Apply to Now

09.05.17 at 17:43

Jameel Andrews, Joana Amicar and Lianabel Amaro prepare to graduate from the New Jersey National Guard Youth Challenge Academy in Trenton, N.J., August 29, 2009. The program identifies New Jersey youth who have dropped out of high school and using military style training aim to enhance the life skills and employment potential Photo courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

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, with about 2.3 million Latino students, the number jumped to 35 percent. 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.

Though the fall semester has just begun, it’s never too early to start thinking about spring. That’s why we put together a list of seven scholarships meant to provide some relief for Latino students. Jot down these deadlines on your calendar.

1 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.

2 La Unidad Latina Foundation

Deadline: October 15, 2017

The La Unidad Latina Foundation offers two different scholarships to four-year undergrad and graduate students who have a 2.8 GPA or higher. The scholarship ranges between $500 and $1,000.

Learn more about the scholarship requirements and the application process here.

3 The Pedro Zamora Public Policy Fellowship

Deadline: October 15, 2017

Named after Pedro Zamora – the late The Real World cast member who brought awareness to HIV and AIDS at a time when they were both still greatly misunderstood – this fellowship looks to award students interested in working in HIV/AIDs-focused public policy. The scholarship is open to both undergrad and graduate students, and fellows must work 30 hours a week for at least 16 weeks.

Learn more about the fellowship requirements and the application process here.

4 The Minority Fellowship Program

Deadline: October 25, 2017

The American Political Science Association recently introduced a spring fellowship. The Minority Fellows Program “is a fellowship competition for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds applying to or in the early stages of doctoral programs in political science.” The award ranges between $500 and $1,000 and will support first- and second-year political science PhD students.

Learn more about the fellowship requirements and the application process here.

5 Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers

Deadline: November 1

The Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarship is bestowed unto those with a history of traveling for agricultural work. Applicants must show an interest in developing their skills in visual painting, photography, dance, theater, video, animation, poetry, weaving, and more. The Geneseo Migrant Center grants two different Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts scholarships: one that is $500 and has no deadline and one that is worth up to $2,500 and is awarded semi-annually.

Learn more about the scholarship requirements and the application process here.

6 The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Deadline: November 1

Every year, this scholarship awards new Americans, immigrants, or children of immigrants pursuing grad school in the United States, who are 30 years or younger before the application deadline.

Learn more about the fellowship requirements here and the application process here.

7 HACU IES Abroad Scholarship

Deadline: November 1

This scholarship allows students who attend Hispanic-serving institutions to study abroad. It offers up to $5,000 per semester (or up to $2,500 for the summer) to those who demonstrate a financial need. Priority is given to first-generation college students and Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Learn more about the fellowship requirements and the application process here.

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