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How are you paying for college? The magic word for every parent is scholarship. But do you know of all the opportunities that are available for your child? The Hispanic Scholarship Fund may be the answer.
My proudest moment in high school was the day that I crossed the stage to accept a scholarship to aid me in going to college. I couldn’t have been happier; not just to be recognized for all my hard work, but to know that I was going to be able to actually go to college.
The next two proudest moments was when I heard my name called two more times to cross the stage again that day.
While I couldn’t have gone to school without those monetary gifts, it still wasn’t enough to cover my first degree and certainly not my second. So, like many other thousands of students, I worked hard, took out loans, and will be paying back for my education for many years to come.
Oh lucky me. But to be honest, it’s kinda my own fault.
Yep. I didn’t take advantage of scholarship dollars like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, that are set aside for supporting and advancing Hispanic students.
And the reason was I didn’t really think I could. I mean I am “Hispanic” (although back in the day we didn’t have all the different designations), but somehow I didn’t feel like I was Mexican enough.
That’s right, Mexican enough. I didn’t speak Spanish. I didn’t celebrate Mexican holidays. I didn’t even have a name that sounded Mexican (at least the name I used.)
So I didn’t apply and began to work really hard at several part time jobs. At one time I held 4 different jobs, ironically working for the Office of Equity of Diversity and later moving to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity for the Student Government Association. At that time I was the “figurehead” for women, Hispanics and other cultures on campus and realized it was “OK” to be who I was – and have worked since then and through two degrees to embrace my culture for myself and for my children.
After my experience, I knew I wanted things to be different for my kids. I wanted them to have opportunities and also feel like it was ok to be them. And also to be exposed to the Spanish culture including being proficient in Spanish through participating in excellent bilingual education.
That’s why I feel so strongly about educating others about what opportunities are available, especially scholarships the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. And now that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is now an official partner, contributing $200,000 towards scholarships for the organization, this scholarship fund will be able to help even more Hispanic students make their future possible. Since 1975, the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization supporting Hispanic American higher education, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund has awarded over $470 million in scholarships and provides a range of ancillary programs for students, HSF Scholars, Alumni, and parents.
Do you know a Hispanic child that needs help with their higher education? Are you a Hispanic parent or child that would benefit from additional support for their college education and to achieve their dreams?
Then apply now until the end of March to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
I hope my ids get lots of scholarships when they are older because otherwise, they are going to be racking up the student loans like I had to.
I am hoping that my son will get some scholarships when he gets closer to college. I also have a fund for him that I throw money in so that when he does get the college she won’t have so many school loans.
A scholarship can help so many students earn the education they want. Our high school called my daughter in to meet with her and apply for several she was qualified for. I can’t explain what a blessing it was at the time.
I love that this fun exists… I mean, my kids are part Hispanic, so they would totally be able to apply. We love teaching them about their culture and this would be really helpful to them
I am hoping with three kids they are able to get some scholarship. This sounds like an amazing scholarship opportunity for kids college bound.
I wish I had been able to do more scholarships when I went to college. What a great scholarship opportunity for high school students heading off to college.
My kids are smart, I hope they can get scholarships when it comes to that time!
Absolutely awesome! I think education, and finding ways to make it affordable for everyone is so importnat. Bravo to Johnson and Johnson!
These types of programs are crucial for all racial backgrounds. It’s nice to see heritage recognized with educational support opportunities such as this.
This is a fantastic program. All kids deserve the chance to get an education.
This is a great scholarship program. It is so important to get a good education to be able to support yourself.
Unfortunately I don’t know anyone that could use this. I could definitely share this around though. It’s great when there are scholarships out there for students.
scholarship programs a so awesome. they can really take a lot of pressure off. this one sounds awesome.
I’ve seen a lot of kids not want to bother even applying for scholarships (including my own son!) I need to remind my nephew about this one as his dad is from Mexico and I know he needs every $ he can get.
That’s an awesome program. I’m so glad they’re making college an option for children that may not have considered it to be one due to the financial burden. Thanks for sharing your story!
College is expensive! It’s wonderful that there are funds available to support students as they work to complete their degrees. I’ve got a few years before worrying about tuition, but I’ll keep programs like this in mind.
I love that they are helping others reach their dreams and goals! I won a few scholarships that really helped me to get ahead with my schooling.
College is so expensive these days! Any little bit can help!
College is so expensive, every little bit helps right?!
I know education is so expensive…so anyway you can get some help is great. Both my kids looked forward to help along the way too.
Education should be free is what my daughter always said. She worked so hard to get it FREE, that she did. Received a million dollars in scholarships and happy and proud tosay the Hispanic Scholarship Fund played a HUGE part!
I certainly hope that when it comes time for my daughter to attend she is able to get some scholarships. It is so expensive.
I have a long way to go on the college thing, but it scares me already. This looks like a great way to get money for college .
University is really expensive! We have been paying for our courses in cash and it’s tough.
My oldest has gotten some scholarships and it has helped cut costs significantly.
Thanks so much for such an informative post. Scholarships are so important. Our son receives some scholarship money which is very helpful.
🙂
What a fantastic program. I am all for anything that helps more kids go to college.
It’s so nice to know what route kids are going to take to get to college. We prepared for three of our four with prepaid programs. Best decision we made.
I went to college on a full ride and it was an amazing gift. The hispanic scholarship fund is so awesome
We started a college savings plan for our kids right away when they were born and while it is doing well still don’t think it will put a dent in paying for school. I paid for college with a part-time job, loans and some financial help from my parents/grandparents which will probably be the same route my kids will have to go.
I returned to college as an adult and received many scholarships. It proves that working hard can really pay off. Nice to see the tradition continues.
Studying an be so expenive today and I understand why so many people are put off by further education. It is scholarships like this one that give those that work hard the opportunity to succeed.
I don’t know any personally, but I do have a friend whose daughter has primarily Hispanic friends, so this is awesome to know!
Thank you for sharing your story! I have about $120K in student loans for my two masters degrees. While I would not qualify for that one, I am so glad that it exists and is growing in its support of Hispanic students.
🙂
Traci