HACU Scholarship Criteria

HACU Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible to apply for HACU Scholarships, applicants must meet the following HACU Scholarship Program criteria listed below.

Current College or University Students:

1. Are currently enrolled at a HACU-member institution in the fall 2024 term;
2. Have graduated from a high school or have earned a high school equivalency diploma in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or outside of the U.S.;
3. Have completed your first-semester of college at a HACU-member institution;
4. Intend to enroll at a HACU-member institution in the spring 2025 semester/term of the 2024-2025 academic year.
5. If you are transferring institutions, the institution must also be HACU-member to be eligible to apply; for the most up-to-date listing of HACU-member institutions, Please Click Here.
6. Demonstrate financial need if required by the scholarship sponsor, typically determined by the FAFSA application or State/Institutional Aid application (non-citizen students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA).

Current High School Seniors:

1. Must be a graduating high school or will earned a high school equivalency diploma this 2023-2024 academic school year;
2. Intend to enroll at a HACU-member institution in the spring 2025 semester/term of the 2024-2025 academic year. For the most up-to-date listing of HACU-member institutions, Please Click Here.
3. Demonstrate financial need if required by the scholarship sponsor, typically determined by the FAFSA application or State/Institutional Aid application (non-citizen students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA).

 

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To stay up to date on application openings and deadlines, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - @HACUNews.

 

 

Download the HACU Scholarship Flyer (Click Here)

Promote the HACU Scholarship Program at your campus:

• Distribute them in high-traffic areas like dorms, libraries, student centers, bulletin boards, and department offices.
• Post information about the scholarship program on your college's financial aid website and social media channels.
• Reach out to student organizations and clubs relevant to the scholarship criteria.
• If possible, send targeted emails about the scholarship to your students who might be eligible.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships Available

Please carefully review each scholarship criteria to determine eligibility.

• Scholarship Application Guide: (Download Here) This guide helps new and returning applicants navigate our HACU Scholarship application system, hacu.awardspring.com.
• The online application will automatically match you to the scholarship(s) for which you are eligible after creating your student profile.
• If you were not matched to a scholarship, then you are not eligible for the current HACU scholarships.
• All Scholarship Deadlines are on Central Time (CT) zone on each scholarship deadline dates.

We encourage all students to apply for our scholarships, regardless of immigration status. This includes international students and undocumented students.

PLEASE NOTE: Additional scholarship opportunities may be added throughout the semester/term.

 

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Fall Scholarships Listed Below (Current)

 

Chispa Scholarship

Amount	$2,000
Term or Year	Spring 2025 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	5
Renewable	No
Deadline	CLOSED
Organization	Chispa, The Latino Dating App

 

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has partnered with Chispa, The Latino Dating App, to offer five scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to college students enrolled at HACU-member institutions.

Students must meet the scholarship specific criteria below to qualify:

• Students must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Open to undergraduate students.
• Enrolled part-time or full-time.
• Minimum college GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Open to all majors.

Download the Chispa Scholarship Flyer

 

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Kia America Accelerate the Good Scholarship Program

Amount	$10,000-$15,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	Varies
Renewable	No
Deadline	CLOSED
Organization	Kia America, Inc

 

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is partnering with Kia America, Inc. to offer Kia America Accelerate the Good Scholarships to eligible undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at HACU-member institutions.

Applicants must meet the following scholarship criteria to qualify:

• Students must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Minimum college GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Open to students majoring in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Math, or Business Administration.

Download Kia America Accelerate the Good Scholarship Flyer

 

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Ford Philanthropy Scholarship

Amount	$10,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	9
Renewable	No
Deadline	CLOSED
Organization	Ford Philanthropy

 

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has partnered with Ford Philanthropy to award scholarships to eligible undergraduate and graduate students at HACU-member institutions. A total of nine ($10,000) Ford Philanthropy Scholarships will be awarded.

Applicants must meet the following scholarship criteria to qualify:

• Students must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Minimum college GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Open to students majoring in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science.
• Must also submit the Ford Fund Scholarship specific 250-500-word essay.
  • Describe a specific way you plan to leverage your degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Data Science to develop critical Future of Work skills and contribute to a positive impact on society.

Download the Ford Philanthropy Scholarship Flyer

 

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MGM Resorts International Scholarship

Amount	$1,000
Term or Year	Spring 2025 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	17
Renewable	No
Deadline	CLOSED
Organization	MGM Resorts International

 

Students must meet the scholarship specific criteria below to qualify:

• Students must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Must have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Open to undergraduate first-time freshmen students.
• Open to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Finance, Hospitality, Hotel Administration, International Business, Marketing, or Public Relations.

 

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USTA Future Leaders in Sport Scholarship

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	Spring 2025 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	4
Renewable	No
Deadline	November 1, 2024 (11:59 pm CT)
Organization	United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA)

 

Students must meet the scholarship specific criteria below to qualify:

• Students must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Must have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Open to undergraduate students.
• Open to students majoring in Accounting, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Finance, Hospitality, Hotel Administration, International Business, Marketing, or Public Relations.

 

 

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Spring Application Scholarship Updates

All Scholarship Recipients have been notified.

 

Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarship

Amount	6 at $2,500  7 at $5,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	13
Renewable	No
Deadline	July 28, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	Las Vegas Sands through Sands Cares

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Miller Lite Brewed to be Bright Scholarship

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	23
Renewable	No
Deadline	July 28, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	Molson Coors

 

Miller Lite Brewed to be Bright Scholarship - Benefits and Requirements for Scholarship Recipient:

 If selected, recipients also receive sponsorship and will be required to attend HACU’s 38th ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute November 1-3, 2024, the student track offered in conjunction with HACU’s Annual Conference (SAVE THE DATE). Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.

 

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2024 Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholar

Amount	$5,000 ($2,500 per semester)
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	68
Renewable	Yes
Deadline	June 30, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	Deloitte Foundation

 

Please Note: If you are a current, 2023 Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholar, you cannot apply for the 2024 Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholar application. You will receive instructions for our annual Deloitte Foundation HACU Scholar Renewal Process and Form.

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Café Bustelo El Café Del Futuro Scholarship

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	25
Renewable	No
Deadline	June 30, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	Café Bustelo®

 

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MGM Resorts International Scholarship

Amount	$1,000
Term or Year	Fall 2024 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	17
Renewable	No
Deadline	May 30, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	MGM Resorts International

 

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SiteOne Landscape Supply Scholarship

Amount	$1,000
Term or Year	Fall 2024 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	5
Renewable	No
Deadline	June 30, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	SiteOne Landscape Supply UN1DOS Associate Resource Group

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2024 Diversity in Health Care Scholarship

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	Fall 2024 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	110
Renewable	Yes
Deadline	May 30, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	United Health Foundation

 

Benefits for Scholarship Recipient:

• All scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Webinars with HACU partners to learn about current career opportunities in their field.
• All scholarship recipients will be invited to apply for HACU National Internship Program with corporate and federal partners. 
• Sophomores and Juniors will be invited to attend the Emerging Leaders' Summits.

Requirements for Scholarship Recipient:

• (25) Twenty-five Juniors are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU's 38th Annual Conference from November 1-3, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado (SAVE THE DATE). Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.
• (60) Sixty Sophomores are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU's 39th Annual Conference November 2025 in Aurora, Colorado. Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.

Please Note: If you are a current, 2023 Diversity in Health Care Scholars, you cannot apply for the 2024 Diversity in Health Scholarship Program application. You will receive instructions for our annual Diversity in Health Scholarship Renewal Process and Form.

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Coca Cola First Generation Scholarship Program

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	5
Renewable	No
Deadline	May 1, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	The Coca Cola Foundation

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Kia America Accelerate the Good Scholarship Program

Amount	$10,000-$15,000
Term or Year	2024-25 Academic Year
Awards Available	17
Renewable	No
Deadline	May 1, 2024 (CLOSED)
Organization	Kia America, Inc

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LanguageCert International Student Scholarship

Amount	$5,000
Term or Year	Fall 2024 (2024-25 Academic Year)
Awards Available	5
Renewable	No
Deadline	(CLOSED)
Organization	LanguageCert

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Career Certificate Scholarship Program

Amount	Monetary value = $300 (no funds exchanged)
Term or Year	6-month online program
Awards Available	500
Deadline	Rolling dependent on openings
Organization	Google

Google has granted 500 Career Certificate Scholarships for HACU to disperse to its students attending Hispanic Serving Member Institutions. Gain the job-ready skills you need to launch or advance your career with a certificate in Google IT Support, Google IT Automation with Python, Google Data Analytics, Google Project Management or Google UX Design. See below for information about certificates offered through this initiative.

Career Certificate Scholarship Program applicants must also meet the following scholarship criteria to qualify.

• Open to ALL majors
• Must be attending a 2- or 4-year HACU Member institution
• Open to Undergraduate and Graduate students
• Must complete the program within 6 months

Scholarship specific essay question:

Please briefly share how you think the Grow with Google Career Certificate you are interested in will benefit your career and/or professional development goals.

How to Apply:

Fill out the Career Certificate Scholarship Application Form HERE

Your application will be reviewed and upon selection, you will receive an invitation from Coursera learning platform to join and select the certificate you chose. You will receive automated reminders and completion emails from Coursera throughout the program. Please ensure you are reading them for updates and important information.

Application Dates:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all scholarships are filled. Applicants are placed on a wait list if all spots are occupied. As certificates are completed, students on the wait list will be invited to join.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for scholarships using the AwardSpring platform?

Navigate to: https://hacu.awardspring.com/

Download the Scholarship Application Guide: (Download Here). This guide walks you through applying for Palo Alto Networks Cyber Scholars Program on AwardSpring. 

I am in need of immediate financial aid (scholarships or emergency grants), where can I apply?

We understand your need for financial support. While we currently don't offer emergency funding, we recommend contacting your financial aid office to explore available scholarships, grants, and emergency assistance programs at your college/university. They can guide you through the specific options and assist you in finding the best solution for your situation.

What other recommendations do you have for Financial Aid support? 

We welcome you to visit our "Financial Aid Tips for College Students - Find the Resources You Need at Your College Campus."

Where can I find information regarding the 2024-2025 Better FAFSA application?

Visit the 2024-25 Better FAFSA Information webpage for information and resources.

What other External Scholarship Resources are there? 

Please visit our Other Scholarship Resources where you'll find external scholarships, internships, fellowships and other student programs tailored to your interests. 

Can Undocumented Immigrant students (with or without DACA/TPS) create a scholarship profile to be matched for HACU Scholarships? 

Yes, we welcome all college/university students to create an online scholarship application profile. While some scholarships may have specific citizenship requirements, our application system will match you with scholarships you are eligible for based on your profile.

What additional resources are available for Undocumented Immigrant students?

We invite you to visit our Resources Undocumented Immigrant students (CLICK HERE) to learn more about college funding sources, immigration legal resources, and best practices for identifying or building a supportive community at your campus.

Where can I print an enrollment verification form?

The enrollment verification will be issued to students selected as scholarship finalist. The form is required for students to receive scholarship funds through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ (HACU). It must be signed by an authorized school official (i.e., Academic Advisor, Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid Office) and submitted to the HACU Scholarship Department. (2024-2025 Enrollment Verification Form)

May I submit an electronic unofficial transcript and enrollment verification if my school provides them?

Yes, scholarship finalist will have the opportunity to upload a copy of their supporting documents in their AwardSpring dashboard when requested.

What do I do with my financial aid release form?

You file this form with your financial aid office. You do not need to mail this document to HACU.

Are high school students eligible?

GREAT NEWS!!!! Yes, we have a HACU scholarship available to current graduating high school seniors.

Do I have to be Hispanic or Latina/o to apply for a HACU scholarship?

No, HACU scholarships are open to students of all ethnicities and backgrounds! We encourage everyone to apply.

It's important to note that some of our partnered scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria. However, creating a scholarship application profile allows us to match you with a variety of opportunities you might be eligible for.

If I do not attend a HACU member institution, am I eligible for a HACU scholarship?

No, HACU scholarships are currently limited to students enrolled at a HACU-member institution. However, we encourage you to explore other resources that might be a good fit for you!

Here are a few options:

Other Scholarship Resources: We have a page dedicated to other external scholarship opportunities.

How can my school become a member of HACU?

Please refer your school personnel to the HACU-Membership page on our website by clicking here. This page provides information on how your school can join and details about our membership categories, dues and benefits. You can personally deliver a membership information packet to your college or university president.

To request a HACU membership information packet, please email your name and mailing address to our Membership Department at memberinfo@hacu.net.

The scholarship I want to apply for is not on my scholarship selection page, why not?

If you were not matched to a scholarship, then you are not eligible for that award.

Based on the information you enter, the online application will automatically match you to the scholarship(s) for which you are eligible. Please review the specific scholarship criteria.

When will I be notified if I was selected for a HACU scholarship?

Student will  receive an email notification to the email listed in the scholarship application and their scholarship status will be updated on their AwardSpring dashboard. 

How are scholarship funds disbursed, and how can I use my scholarship funds?

If you are awarded a scholarship, we will mail a scholarship check directly to your financial aid office. These funds can be used for any educational expenses.

Will I receive my scholarship funds before the start of the semester?

No, scholarship funds will be disbursed after enrollment verification has been completed. Enrollment Verifications are completed after Census Date. 

Disbursements occur in September/October for the fall semesters or February/March for the spring semesters.

How does a scholarship affect my other student aid?

A scholarship will affect your other student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your college or university. So, you’ll need to let your school know if you’ve been awarded a scholarship so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from your cost of attendance (and from certain other aid, such as loans, that you might have been offered). Then, any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which you’re eligible. Ask your financial aid office if you have questions.

How does the scholarship award selection process work?

Once you complete your online application and the deadline has passed, your application is sent to the selected scholarship review committee who will review your application.

Once all applications have been reviewed, we will begin selecting finalists and notifying them to submit their supporting documents (unofficial transcripts, enrollment verification form, and/or letter of recommendations).

Once all documents are submitted and reviewed, recipients will be selected and notified.