3 Great Scholarship Programs for Hispanic Students

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) is a Washington-based national nonprofit organization with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals by providing educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the US and Puerto Rico.

Key to the HCF mission is being able to find organizations willing to go the extra distance to support Hispanic students by offering scholarships and educational grants. To date, the HCF has awarded nearly $15 million in scholarships to more than 5,400 students.

Here are three terrific programs currently being offered in conjunction with the Hispanic College Fund:

Marriott Scholars Program
Applications are currently being accepted online through March 1, 2012, for the Marriott Scholars Program. High school seniors or first year college students pursuing careers in hospitality management, hotel management, culinary, or food and beverage fields are encouraged to apply. The program offers financial support of up to $9,000 per year for four years together with opportunities for ongoing career guidance and mentoring.

To qualify, students must be of Hispanic/Latino heritage and must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Requirements include a completed application form available online, an official transcript, an essay, one letter of recommendation and a resume.

McDonald’s Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Program
Since 2010, McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, DC has partnered with the HCF to expand the scholarship program, McDonald’s Educates, and provide additional scholarships for Hispanic students residing in the greater Washington DC area. To date, 14 scholarships have been awarded totaling $21,000.

Qualified students must reside in DC, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition to outstanding scholastic achievement, applicants must demonstrate “admirable qualities in leadership, character, and volunteerism. All applications must be received by March 1, 2012.

2012 Future Latino Leaders Law Camp—Washington, DC
This summer, 25 students from across the country will be chosen to participate in a free week-long intensive program designed to help students work on leadership and valuable life skills. Students will attend college preparatory workshops, participate in a “mock trial” experience, meet US senators and representatives and tour the White House, US Capitol, Department of Justice and the Supreme Court.

Applications must be completed on the Hispanic National Bar Foundation website and are due no later than March 1, 2012.