December 1, 2022

HACU receives a USAA grant for $1 million to support financial education program for students and families in San Antonio

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has been awarded a $1 million grant from the United Services Automobile Association for the Hispanic Financial Education and Competencies Program. HACU, in partnership with local institutions in the San Antonio area, will help students and their families become better informed to plan for their financial future through the HFECP.

HACU is partnering with six area school districts and four colleges and universities to implement the financial competency education program on their campuses. The program will help both high school and college students to maneuver the complexities of financial assistance, credit worthiness, and long-term strategies to ensure their financial independence and well-being. Approximately 1,125 high school students and 650 college students are expected to participate in the semester long program.

“Ensuring high school and college students learn about personal finance early on is important for their future success,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are thankful to USAA for this grant that will help college bound Hispanic students and their families have a greater awareness of financial considerations, but also aid enrolled college students to plan beyond graduation.”

HACU will collaborate with the following San Antonio school districts:  Edgewood ISD, Harlandale ISD, South San Antonio ISD, San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD, and Southside ISD. The program will help high school students and their parents prepare for college and provide information on how to effectively manage family finances and student financial aid opportunities. High school students completing the program will be eligible to apply for a scholarship to attend one of the participating colleges/universities.

Additionally, college students enrolled in business courses will have the opportunity to learn about small-business management and financing and serve as a resource for the Latino family-owned small business community. The following Hispanic-Serving Institutions will be among the participants: Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, St. Phillips College, and Our Lady of the Lake University.

“Together with USAA and our local institutions in San Antonio, we believe the program is one that sets Hispanic families on a path for economic empowerment and prosperity,” added Flores.

The programs will begin in the spring of 2023.