The HSF Scholarship provides financial support to students of Hispanic heritage who are pursuing a college degree. This program selects 10,000 outstanding students annually as HSF Scholars to receive academic support and potential funding. Scholars gain access to professional development resources, including mentorship, career services, and specialized leadership conferences.
This post provides factual details regarding the HSF Scholar Program based on official Hispanic Scholarship Fund data and university scholarship portals. Research indicates that the program awards over $30 million in scholarships annually to support the next generation of Latino leaders. We wrote this guide to help you complete Phase I and Phase II of the application before the strict annual deadlines.
Academic research focuses on the impact of “last-dollar” scholarships, such as those provided by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, on student retention. These scholarships increase graduation rates by covering the remaining tuition costs after federal aid is applied to a student’s account. The HSF program further enhances student success by providing exclusive access to industry summits (STEM, Finance, Media) and a powerful alumni network.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: High School Seniors, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students.
- Location: United States
- Institution(s): Any accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university or graduate school.
- Program Period: Annual academic year cycle.
- Course Offered: All academic majors and graduate fields of study.
- Deadline: Mid-February (Phase I) annually.
Scholarship Coverage
The HSF Scholarship offers both financial grants and professional support services to its designated scholars. The cash awards range from $500 to $5,000 based on the student’s relative financial need and available foundation funds. Beyond direct funding, HSF Scholars receive access to career support services, including internship placement assistance and job interview preparation. Additionally, the program provides exclusive eligibility for HSF Conferences, such as the National Leadership Conference and the STEM Summit.
Eligibility Criteria
The HSF Scholarship is open to students of all races who identify as being of Hispanic heritage. Applicants must meet specific academic and residency standards to qualify for the 10,000 available scholar spots.
- You must identify as having Hispanic heritage through birth or descent from eligible countries.
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient at the time of your application.
- You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA as a high school senior or a 2.5 GPA as a college or graduate student.
- You must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, four-year university or graduate school for the upcoming year.
- You must complete the FAFSA or equivalent state-based financial aid forms to demonstrate relative need.
Application Process
The application process for the HSF Scholarship is divided into phases to streamline the selection of 10,000 scholars from over 70,000 applicants. You must complete Phase I to be considered for the more intensive Phase II portion of the competition.
- Create a myHSF profile on the official website to access the dashboard and the Scholar Program application.
- Submit the Phase I application by mid-February, which typically takes 30 minutes and does not require essays or transcripts.
- Check your email in late March for Finalist notification, which invites selected applicants to move into Phase II.
- Upload required documents during Phase II, including academic transcripts, personal essays, and a letter of recommendation.
- Complete the financial aid verification process by submitting your FAFSA Student Aid Report and university enrollment verification forms.
Deadline
The primary deadline for the Phase I application of the HSF Scholarship is February 15 at 2:00 PM PT each year. Students who pass the initial screening will receive instructions for the Phase II deadline, which generally occurs in late spring. You must adhere to these dates strictly, as HSF does not accept late submissions for any reason.
