You’ve survived high school and thrived! Your college goals are set, and you’re ready to excel. You've got what it takes — you just need the financial resources. Because, let's face it, ramen noodles only get you so far!

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The average federal student loan debt balance is $37,853.

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Worry not! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to karate chop that debt before you even start your college journey.

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What is a scholarship?

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Unlike student loans, scholarships provide money for college expenses without the need to pay it back.

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Scholarships can fund:

  • Tuition (the money you pay to attend school)

  • Books

  • Housing

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Scholarships can be:

  • A one-time check

  • Be renewable each semester

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Scholarships can be based on different types of criteria:

  • Grades (merit)

  • Sports

  • Demographics

  • Career specific

  • Need-based (financial)

Think of a scholarship as a way to say THANK YOU to yourself for all your hard work!

A child patting himself on the back.

Quiz

Jorge is a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA and is also an active member of his community. He plans to major in engineering. Which scholarships should he consider applying for?

Hispanic/Latino scholarship opportunities

As a growing demographic the opportunities for educational advancement are in abundance!

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Check out some of these scholarships available for Hispanic and Latino students:

Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award:"Honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community" and for their focus in various fields such as business, healthcare, and STEM.

LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF):Sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens, this fund provides scholarships for Hispanic students.

The Gates Scholarship: "A highly selective" full-ride scholarship for "outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households."

How do I apply?

Start with these steps:

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  1. Research and make a list of the scholarships you qualify for.

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  1. Write your personal statement and draft essays based on your scholarship requirements.

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  1. Reach out to your teacher(s), coach, boss... etc for letters of recommendation.

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  1. Mark your calendar with those deadline dates!

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Tip: use a spreadsheet to organize and track scholarships. Check out Fiveable.com for free resources.

I got the scholarship!

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Scholarships require an official acceptance by you.

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Read through the award letter carefully as it will contain info such as:

  • The amount awarded

  • How it will be disbursed

  • Requirements you need to meet to maintain the scholarship

  • How to officially accept the scholarship

Most importantly, keep searching and applying for scholarships!

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Get inspired!

Check out this trailblazer!

Sonia Sotomayor

  • Received a full scholarship to Princeton University

  • Awarded a scholarship to Yale Law School

  • Went on to become the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the United States

Sonia Sotomayor on the cover of Latina Magazine as

Take Action

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