THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025 AT 11:59 P.M. EST
Prerequisites for
HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANTS
In order to apply, you must first meet all the prerequisites listed below:
High School
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the five (5) following requirements by the deadline. Applications will not be considered without all required assignments submitted.
Cover Page
What is a Scholarship Cover Letter: A scholarship cover letter is a letter you write to the scholarship committee. In the letter you should explain what makes you a great candidate for the award. You should also talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your educational and career goals. What We're Looking for: In your cover letter, we're looking for you to convey: what need you have for the scholarship, what you would use the scholarship money for, the importance of college for you, and what makes you a good candidate for the scholarship. This is a good opportunity to share your story, share your plans for the future, and highlight your strengths. Specific Requirements: Your cover letter should be formatted in a standard cover letter format and be one single-sided page using standard 12pt font.
Essay
What We're Looking for: Your essay must be 750-1000 words long and respond to the three following topics: 1. Background Describe your qualities, beliefs, achievements, and memorable experiences. The essay should include information about your family (parents and siblings) and individuals that have positively affected your life. If you are a single parent, please write about the joys and challenges of parenthood as you pursue a college diploma. 2. Financial Need Discuss your plan to pay for their college expenses including family support, working, loans, and scholarship support. Let us know how this scholarship would help you financially. 3. Leadership Discuss the future of Latinos/Hispanics in America. Explain what kind of leadership is needed by Latinos in order to help us progress and thrive in the United States, and what role you hope to play in such leadership. Specific Requirements: Your essay should be 750-1000 words and cover the three points listed previously. Essay should be formatted using standard 12pt font.
Transcript
What is a Transcript: Your high school transcript is a complete record of your academic achievements. It starts with the first grading period of your first year of high school and is updated each term until you graduate. What We're Looking for: We'll need a copy of your official or unofficial transcript. You can get these from your high school counselor. Specific Requirements: Transcript must be official or unofficial transcript from your high school counselor and verify your eligibility status and grade point average (GPA).
Reference Letters
What is a Reference Letter: A reference letter is a positive endorsement of your skills and attributes written by someone familiar with your work, character, and accomplishments. What We're Looking for: Submit two (2) reference letters from persons that have known you and can speak to your qualities and achievements. Such persons would include teachers or counselors, employers, pastor/priest, academic advisor, coach, or band instructor. Specific Requirements: Two (2) reference letters by anyone listed in the list above.
Work Experience / Award / Activity List
What We're Looking for: Submit a list detailing your work experiences, leadership experiences, academic accomplishments, and other relevant awards and activities. Make sure to include the number of years you've been involved and any other relevant details.
Video Introduction (optional)
What We're Looking for: In order to get to know you better, we're giving you the opportunity to introduce yourself in a short video. Here you can talk to us about your background, what this money would mean to you, and your ambitions in the future. Consider it a condensed version of your cover letter. It gives us an opportunity to learn more about you. Please keep in mind that this is not required to apply and it will not disqualify or count against you but is encouraged. Specific Requirements: Video must be 30-60 seconds long and be recorded with you in frame with clear audio and appropriate lighting. Do not mention your name in the video.
