Check out these scholarship and academic programs geared for Hispanic high school and college students:
Advancement Via Individual Determination
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a school-wide initiative for students in grades 5 through 12. It caters to students “in the middle” who have a desire to go to college. Students are enrolled in advanced courses along with an AVID elective; the elective teaches organizational, study and critical-thinking skills. The course also allows students to get academic help from specially trained peers and teachers. AVID can be found in more than 2,200 middle and high schools in 36 states and 15 countries.
HACU Scholarships
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities awards scholarships to students who are currently enrolled or plan on attending an HACU member or partner college or university. Applicants must meet specific program requirements in order to be eligible. Awards range, based on the program, from $500 to $2,000 a year. HACU provides an online scholarship resource list. Applications can be found here.
Hispanic National Internship Program
The Hispanic National Internship Program gives paid summer and semester-long internships to high-achieving Hispanic students. Students are placed in a variety of federal agencies and private corporations in Washington, D.C., and across the country. Undergrads who have completed their freshman year of college with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible. Applications can be completed and submitted online.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has a 30-year history of awarding scholarships to Hispanic students with financial needs. By applying for an HSF scholarship, you may be eligible receive anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. Programs are available for high school seniors, community college transfer students, undergrads and graduate/professional students. After submitting the required essays and application, students are then selected based on academic achievement, personal strengths, leadership and financial need.
National Hispanic Recognition Program
Sponsored by The College Board, the National Hispanic Recognition Program does not give out monetary awards. However, it does recognize outstanding Hispanic high school students. Winners are compiled and sent to subscribing colleges and universities for recruiting purposes. Applicants must be at least one-quarter Hispanic and earn a high-enough score on the PSAT (cut-off scores vary by state). Each student should also maintain the minimum grade point average established by the program.
Upward Bound
The Upward Bound program serves high school students who are from low-income families, high school students who are the first generation to enter college, and low-income, first-generation military veterans. Upward Bound provides instruction in a variety of areas, including composition, literature, math, lab science and foreign language. The goal of this program is to help students enter and graduate from a postsecondary institution.
Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session
The National Hispanic Institute offers an eight- to 10-day leadership program for Latino youth. The Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ) brings students to various college campuses during the summer months to engage in dialogue about the future of 21st century Latinos. Students come away from the program with critical thinking and teamwork skills. Qualified students are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Higher Education Opportunity Program
Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) gives academically and economically disadvantaged students in New York state the ability to pursue a postsecondary education. Independent two and four-year institutions are awarded competitive grants by the New York State legislature to host this program. In addition to providing financial assistance, HEOP offers services including a pre-freshman summer program, counseling, tutoring and developmental coursework. When sending a college application, students are automatically considered for HEOP.
Student Support Services
The Student Support Services program provides tools to help students complete a postsecondary education. In addition to providing mentoring and instructional skills, students also receive information about career options. Current SSS students may also be eligible for financial aid if they are receiving federal Pell grants.
Talent Search
The Talent Search program gives information to students from disadvantaged backgrounds about postsecondary education. Students are given information about college applications and financial aid. In addition, Talent Search also brings students to visit college campuses.
This article reprinted with permission from NextStep Magazine.
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