Hispanic College Fund to Open Scholarship Application

$2 Million in College Scholarships Available for Hispanic Students in 2009

Hispanic College Fund to Open Scholarship Application

Washington, D.C.—In line with its mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals, the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) will open applications for its 2009 scholarships on December 15, 2008. Scholarships will be available for undergraduate and graduate students who are seeking cutting-edge careers as engineers, pharmacists, nurses, doctors, hotel executives, chief financial officers, and much more.

Ranging from $500 to $10,000, most scholarships are renewable. Students can apply at www.hispanicfund.org/scholarships.

In 2008, 112 students from California received a scholarship from the Hispanic College Fund.

“I was excited to find out that I was awarded a scholarship from HCF this year,” said Mario Rosas, a 2008 Hispanic College Fund Scholar and current freshman at the University of Texas at El Paso. “Without financial assistance from the Hispanic College Fund, I would not otherwise be able to pursue my degree in metallurgical and materials science engineering or network with top-level employees at Lockheed Martin, my scholarship sponsor.”

In 2009, as in past years, students who are awarded a scholarship will be eligible for Hispanic Young Professionals (HYP). HYP is a competitive program that brings 35 high-achieving HCF scholars from around the nation to Washington, D.C., for leadership and skill-building workshops on mentoring, networking, resume writing, and more. Students even find opportunities to land a summer internship or a job with some of the nation’s major corporations.

“In 2008, HCF awarded more than 600 scholarships to deserving students from across the nation,” said Idalia Fernandez, president of the Hispanic College Fund. “We encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities these scholarships provide for them. In addition to helping finance students’ educations, we open doors for our scholars by welcoming them into our professional network.”

In 2008, 49 percent of HCF scholars majored in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields; 34 percent majored in business-related fields; 15 percent majored in the humanities; and 2 percent majored in fine arts.

Job opportunities in STEM, business, hospitality, and health care are growing due to the burgeoning talent gap left by the retiring baby boomers. Latino students can fill that demand while also bringing their culture and experience to professions where Latinos are underrepresented.

The online application and eligibility criteria for all scholarships are available at www.hispanicfund.org/scholarships.

Students can also receive college and career tips by signing up for the Hispanic College Fund newsletter at http://www.hispanicfund.org/newsletter-sign-up/.
About the Hispanic College Fund
Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides Hispanic high school and college students with the vision, resources, and mentorship needed to become community leaders and achieve successful careers in business, science, technology, engineering and math.
The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for "Nonprofit of the Year" from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation's top 25 charities.
Website: www.hispanicfund.org
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