hispanicAs one of the largest growing minority groups in the United States, more than 50 million people nationwide identify themselves as Hispanic. Despite continued cultural and economic hurdles toward achieve success, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that graduation rates among Hispanic students have jumped nearly 10 percent between just 2006 and 2010.

While the number of Hispanics enrolled in higher learning has significantly grown to 16.5 percent, one of the largest obstacles still standing in the way for many Hispanic students is the price for college tuition. Luckily, the following are 25 exceptional scholarship opportunities specifically geared towards Hispanics to offset the hefty price tag of earning a college degree.

1. !Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund

Deadline: June 30th

Since it was founded in 1993, the !Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund has awarded multiple scholarships to Hispanic students, depending on their specific degree programs. For instance, engineering students can apply for the $3,000 MillerCoors Engineering and Science Scholarship, pre-law Texas students are eligible for the $1,000 Gilbert G. Pompa Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and STEM majors can apply for the Ford Motor Company Future Leaders Scholarship. For all scholarships, applicants must provide proof of enrollment at a U.S. university, letter of recommendation highlighting leadership qualities, and a resume with employment and extracurricular activities.

Contact

!Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund
8415 Datapoint Dr. Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 692-1971
info@adelantefund.org

2. Alvarado/García Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Awarded by the Association of Latino Men for Action in Chicago, the Alvarado/García Scholarship is designed for Hispanic high school seniors who are gay, bisexual, or questioning their sexual orientation. The $1,000 scholarship is provided each year to a select number of students who have been accepted to attend a two or four-year university within the state of Illinois. Preference for the scholarships is given to students who demonstrate strong LGBT community leadership, solid academic standing, and financial need.

Contact

Alvarado García Scholarship
3656 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 234-5591
info@almachicago.org

3. ASA Minority Fellowship Program

Deadline: January 31st

Funded by the American Sociological Association (ASA), the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) is designed to help support the development and training of minority sociologists for advanced research careers in a number of specialties, including social psychology, education, health, gender and sexuality, or medicine. Eligible applicants to the program must have completed at least one full academic year of a PhD program leading to a doctoral degree in sociology with the United States. Fellows receive a stipend award of $18,000, arrangements for the payment of tuition, and limited funds to travel to the ASA Annual Meeting.

Contact

ASA Minority Fellowship Program
1430 K St. NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
202) 383-9005 ext 322
minority.affairs@asanet.org

4. Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers

Deadline: June 1st

Established in honor of Berrien Fragos Thorn, the Geneseo Migrant Center grants $2,500 scholarships semi-annually to students who are interested in pursuing careers in visual, performing, media, crafts, and literary arts. In order to be an eligible recipient, applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a history of initiative to obtain work in any area of agriculture. Along with the completed online application, candidates must submit a letter of recommendation, documentation of expenses, and portfolio of sample artworks.

Contact

Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarships for Migrant Farmworkers
3 Mt. Morris-Leicester Rd.
Leicester, NY 14481
(585) 658-7960
mreho@gvboces.org

5. Catharine Lealtad Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

In honor of the first African American woman to graduate from Macalester College in 1915, the Catharine Lealtad Scholarships are awarded to selected African American, Hispanic, or Native American students of the college with solid academic high school standings. Although the scholarships are normally $3,000 per student, those who are National Achievement or National Hispanic Scholarship Finalists are eligible to receive up to $5,000. If recipients maintain satisfactory progress towards graduation, the Lealtad scholarships can be renewed for the same amount for every year enrolled at Macalester College.

Contact

Catharine Lealtad Scholarships
1600 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 696-6357
finaid@macalester.edu

6. Cisco Diversity Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

In order to promote Cisco’s enduring commitment to global diversity, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) awards five $5,000 scholarships each year for STEM college students nationwide. Eligible applicants must be of Hispanic/Latino descent, permanent U.S. residents, members of SHPE, currently enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program with an STEM major, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients of the scholarship automatically receive an interview for a summer internship opportunity with Cisco.

Contact

Cisco Diversity Scholarship
13181 Crossroads Parkway North
P.O. Box 93577
City of Industry, CA 91715
(323) 725-3970 ext 118
shpefoundation@shpe.org

7. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Awards

Deadline: April 16th

With the goal of providing financial assistance to increase Hispanic graduation rates, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) awards enrolled college students who have a shining history of participating in public service activities in their communities. The one-time scholarship is worth $1,000 for students pursuing an associate’s degree, $2,500 for undergraduate students, and $5,000 for graduate students. Although there is no GPA or academic major requirement, applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be enrolled full-time in an institution accredited by the Department of Education, and demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

Contact

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Awards
911 2nd Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 543-1771
mhughes@chci.org

8. Cuban-American Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 15th

Sponsored by the University of California-Irvine, the Cuban-American Scholarship Fund is open to all undergraduate and graduate students of Cuban descent for financial assistance up to $2,000. All applicants must be citizens of the United States, legal residents of California, and enrolled in an accredited university pursuing a degree program within the state. In addition to completing the application form, applicants need to provide proof of full-time enrollment with more than 12 current units of study and academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Contact

Cuban-American Scholarship Fund
102 Aldrich Hall Social Science Tower 323
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-9585
finaid@merage.uci.edu

9. Dominican Bar Association Law School Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

The Dominican Bar Association (DBA) Law School Scholarship awards students in their first, second, or third year of law school up to $3,000. Eligible applicants for the scholarship must be currently enrolled either full-time or part-time in a law school within the United States, involved within the Latino community, and committed to strong academic and personal achievement. Submitted applications must be accompanied by a current resume, cover letter, official undergraduate transcript, and letter from the enrolled law school’s financial aid office.

Contact

Dominican Bar Association Law School Scholarship
Canal Street Station
P.O. Box 203
New York, NY 10013
(212) 758-2104
dominicanbarassoc@gmail.com

10. George A. Strait Minority Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

Awarded by the American Association of Law Libraries (AAL), the George A. Strait Minority Scholarships are available to college graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in law librarianship and are attending a U.S. accredited law school. Eligible students must be Asian American, African American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, American Indian, or Alaskan Native. Within the application packet, candidates must attach an official transcript, letter from an Admissions Office of law school in attendance, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement demonstrating need for financial assistance to finish schooling.

Contact

George A. Strait Minority Scholarships
105 W. Adams St. Suite 3300
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 939-4764
khagan@aall.org

11. Ginger and Fred Deines Mexico Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

In honor of Fred Deines, past President of Transportation Clubs International, and his wife Ginger, scholarships are awarded annually to students of Mexican nationality who are enrolled in a university in Mexico or the United States. In order to receive the $500 to $1,000 award, students must be interested in pursuing a career in logistics, civil engineering, or transportation. Along with the completed application, applicants must supply a certified transcript, current color photograph, three letters of recommendation, and 500-word essay on specific career goals.

Contact

Ginger and Fred Deines Mexico Scholarship
Three Riverway, Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77056
(877) 858-8627
info@transportationclubsinternational.com

12. GOYA Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 20th

Sponsored by GOYA Foods, the Culinary Arts and Food Sciences Scholarship Program is designed for students entering a four-year institution to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts or Food Sciences. Awards are granted for $5,000 each academic year and are renewable by recipients for up to three additional years, as long as the student remains eligible. Applicants for the scholarships must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident, be the son or daughter or a GOYA employee, and complete at least 10 hours of community service each month.

Contact

Goya Scholarship Program
100 Seaview Dr.
Secaucus, NJ 07096
(201) 348-4900

13. HSF/Coca-Cola(R) La Michoacana Scholarship Program

Deadline: December 15th

Coca-Cola(R), the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), and the La Michoacana Meat Market team up annually to award up to $1,000 each to freshmen students of Hispanic heritage enrolled in accredited universities in Texas and Oklahoma. Although all majors are welcome, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, at least 16 years of age or older, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Contact

HSF/Coca-Cola(R) La Michoacana Scholarship Program
1411 W 190th St. Suite 325
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 975-3700
scholar1@hsf.net

14. HSF/GE Hispanic Forum Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 20th

Partnered with the GE Hispanic Forum, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) offers an annual scholarship to exceptional Latino college students who are enrolled in STEM degree programs across the nation. All undergraduates from freshmen to fifth year seniors are eligible, but all applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Not only will all recipients be awarded $2,500 for tuition assistance, they are also invited to become mentored by a GE Hispanic Forum member and enroll within a valuable career preparation program.

Contact

HSF/GE Hispanic Forum Scholarship Program
1411 W 190th St. Suite 325
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 975-3700
scholar1@hsf.net

15. LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship for Graduates

Deadline: February 28th

Each year, the LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) awards African American, Asian American, Hispanic, and Native American students up to $5,000 each to attend a four-year accredited university full-time in the United States. Eligible candidates must major in a field of study that has a direct career path towards public relations, advertising, marketing, or communications. If chosen for the scholarship, recipients are required to attend TLF career development workshops and maintain a one-year commitment to the foundation for professional guidance.

Contact

LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship for Graduates
600 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1520
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(323) 469-8680
erickainiguez@lagrant.com
https://www.lagrantfoundation.org/about-our-scholarships

16. LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Deadline: August 15th

Sponsored by more than 70 councils of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Scholarship Fund is designed to help Hispanic college students from underserved communities meet their dreams of attending a college or university full-time in America. Through the rigorous selection process, LULAC chooses applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, motivation, sincerity, and involvement in the Latino community. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a score of 1350 or better on the SAT test are also eligible for the National Scholastic Achievement Award of $2,000.

Contact

LULAC National Scholarship Fund
1133 19th St. NW Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 835-9646
scholarships@lnesc.org

17. McDonald’s Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER) Program

Deadline: January 27th

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Southern California provides the Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER) Program scholarships to students residing in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. More than 40 awards of $2,000 each are awarded annually to U.S. high school seniors who have at least one parent of Hispanic descent. The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the accredited institution of enrollment to recipients with a minimum GPA of 2.7.

Contact

McDonald’s Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER) Program
765 South Pasadena Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 744-9449
administrator@rmhc-ctma.org

18. Mexican Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 1st

Funded by the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) offers the Mexican Scholarship Fund to Indiana residents of Mexican descent who are seeking a college degree at an accredited university within the state. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic promise with a GPA of 3.3 or higher and financial need for tuition assistance.

Contact

Mexican Scholarship Fund
615 N. Alabama St. Suite 119
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 643-2423
scholarships@cicf.org

19. NAHN Nursing Scholarships

Deadline: June 18th

On a yearly basis, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) awards scholarships to association members who are currently enrolled in an accredited LVN/LPN, associate’s, baccalaureate, or master’s level nursing program. Along with the completed application, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from two nursing faculty members, a 300-word essay on their personal potential for nursing leadership, current resume, one-page essay on present financial need/budget, copy of the most recent W-2 form, official transcript, and verification of membership status with the NAHN.

Contact

NAHN Nursing Scholarships
1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
(501) 367-8616
info@thehispanicnurses.org

20. Northrop Grumman Scholarships

Deadline: May 1st

As Northrop Grumman and other high-tech companies continue to experience a serious shortage of specialized engineering personnel, the corporation has started this scholarship to support high school seniors who wish to pursue a degree from an approved engineering program. Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, graduating senior, accepted into an accredited university full-time with engineering major, and have a minimum SAT score of 1700. Recipients of the scholarships will receive $10,000 total over the course of four years or $2,500 each academic year.

Contact

Northrop Grumman Scholarships
1580-A West Nursery Rd.
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
(410) 765-1000
commoutreach@ngc.com

21. NSHMBA Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 30th

The National Society of Hispanic MBA (NSHMBA) Foundation offers a scholarship program designed to help qualified Hispanic students pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a graduate school accredited by the AACSB. Although most award values range from $2,500 to $5,000, the top five full-time applicants who demonstrate the highest need and highest level of achievement will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, NSHMBA members, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Contact

NSHMBA Foundation Scholarship Program
450 East John Carpenter Freeway Suite 200
Irving, TX 75062
(214) 596-9338
scholarships@nshmba.org
http://www.nshmba.org/?page=Scholarship

22. Puerto Rican Bar Association Scholarship Award

Deadline: April 19th

Based on the funds raised by the Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA), individual scholarships are awarded annually from $2,500 to $5,000 for applicants in their first, second, or third year within an ABA-approved law school to obtain a Juris Doctor degree. All Latino students who reside in or are attending law school in New York are eligible to apply. In order to be considered for the award, applicants must submit a copy of an official transcript, resume, financial aid letter, most recent 1040 tax form, and a personal statement discussing career aspirations.

Contact

Puerto Rican Bar Association Scholarship Award
303 Park Avenue South #1405
New York, NY 10010
(347) 244-7132
scholarship@prba.net

23. Shaw Industries Achievement Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Presented by the SHPE Foundation, the Shaw Industries Achievement Scholarship is awarded annually to provide tuition assistance to deserving female and/or minority students who are underrepresented at their enrolled university. Funds are only supplied to undergraduate sophomores and juniors who are actively pursuing a four-year degree in a related field of engineering and maintaining a level of high merit with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Contact

Shaw Industries Achievement Scholarship
13181 Crossroads Parkway North
P.O. Box 93577
City of Industry, CA 91715
(323) 725-3970 ext 118
shpefoundation@shpe.org

24. Surety Industry Scholarship Program for Minority Students

Deadline: April 30th

Administered by the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), the Surety Industry Scholarship Program provides minority students nationwide with up to $2,500 each year to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree in risk management, accounting, business, or finance. Eligible applicants for the program must have a major GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, satisfactorily completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of college coursework, and be enrolled at an accredited U.S. four-year university.

Contact

Surety Industry Scholarship Program for Minority Students
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-0600
information@surety.org

25. The Gates Millennium Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

Funded from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholarship is designed to provide outstanding African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American the significant financial need to complete any undergraduate degree program. Scholars may also request funding for achieving a graduate degree in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or science. All eligible applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 or higher, be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., and be enrolled for the first time in an accredited institution.

Contact

The Gates Millennium Scholarship
1805 7th Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20001
(877) 690-4677
ambassador@gmsp.org

If you are a student of Hispanic descent who is seeking financial assistance to attend college, it is highly recommended that you consider applying for these 25 scholarships specifically for Hispanic students just like you. All of these scholarships are aimed at helping you lessen the financial burden of higher college tuition rates, achieve your higher education dreams for a successful career, and promote further achievement of the Hispanic community in America.