Latinos in Technology: Unlocking Scholarship Opportunities

The underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino students in higher education, particularly in STEM fields, is a persistent challenge. According to Pew Research, between 2000 and 2020, Hispanic students’ enrollment in college has grown almost 300%. While college can unlock career and financial opportunities, it can also lead to significant student debt. Scholarships offer a way to minimize or avoid student loans, providing "free money" for eligible students. Hispanic scholarships, specifically designed for students of Hispanic heritage, are a valuable resource.

Understanding Hispanic Scholarships

A Hispanic scholarship is awarded to a student of Hispanic or Latino descent, typically defined as someone from a Spanish-speaking country. Eligibility criteria vary, with some scholarships requiring first-generation college student status. Like other scholarships, Hispanic scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Each scholarship provider sets its own eligibility criteria. It's important to confirm eligibility before applying.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for Hispanic scholarships mirrors the general scholarship application process. A common mistake is failing to submit all required documents. Many scholarships, especially those with a need-based component, require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Hispanic scholarships are offered by diverse sources, including third-party providers, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Some schools offer specific scholarships for Hispanic or Latino students or general diversity scholarships. Contact the financial aid department to explore these opportunities and maximize scholarship potential. Remember to explore diversity or minority scholarships, as well as those related to your major, skills, or interests.

Featured Scholarship Opportunities

Here's a curated list of scholarships designed to support Latino students in technology and other fields:

Read also: Unlock Scholarship Opportunities

1. Latinos in Technology Scholarship

The Latinos in Technology Scholarship, funded by The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV), supports Latino college students in STEM-related fields in the following ways:

Financial Support: Scholarships of up to \$6,000 per year, renewable for up to three years, are awarded to third- and fourth-year undergraduate Latino students majoring in STEM.
Professional Development: Scholars can participate in the Career Launch Academy, Conexiones Mentorship Program, STEM company tours, workshops, networking events, and other career prep and professional skill-building programs.
Internship Access: The program actively pipelines scholars into summer internship programs with investors and corporate partners.

Applicants must be of Latino or Hispanic origin, have a declared STEM major, and be current college students entering their junior or senior year at a 4-year undergraduate college or university, or transferring from a community college to a 4-year institution. Graduates of high schools in specific Northern California counties, or those enrolled in colleges/universities within those counties, are also eligible.

2. Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar Program

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is one of the most popular scholarships for Hispanic students, awarding over \$30 million annually. Individual awards range from \$500 to \$5,000. HSF selects 10,000 students of Hispanic heritage to benefit from their scholarship package, which includes a merit-based scholarship award ranging between \$500-\$5,000, career services, mentorship resources, leadership development opportunities, knowledge building, and wellness training, all to support their college education and future career goals.

3. The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full-tuition award for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households who are Hispanic or belong to other minority groups. Gates Scholars receive funding to cover the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid. Awarded to 300 of the top student leaders, The Gates Scholarship recognizes students with great leadership abilities, personal success skills, and an exceptional high school academic record.

4. McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship

The McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship offers up to 30 scholarships for Hispanic students, with three different award tiers. McDonald’s provides college funding with awards of up to \$100,000.

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5. Hispanic Scholarship Consortium Scholarship Program

In collaboration with member organizations, benefactors, professional groups, colleges, universities, and dedicated individuals, the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) provides sizable, renewable scholarships. The program is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and students pursuing associate degrees or certificates. This \$5,000 award is renewable. The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium seeks highly motivated student leaders with a clear vision for their future to apply for the HSC Scholars Program.

6. HACU Scholarship Program

Open to Undergraduate students. Must be enrolled full-time. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Open to students pursuing majors in Agriculture or Agrobusiness (or related field). Have not received a HACU Conference Sponsorship. Scholarship-specific essay questionCommitment to Agriculture and Sustainability: Corteva Agriscience is dedicated to advancing agriculture and ensuring progress for future generations. Describe how your personal experience, education, and future aspirations contribute to innovation, sustainability, or food security in agriculture. The four (4) undergraduate scholarship recipients must attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 39th Annual Conference from November 1-3, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado.

7. Advancing Hispanics & Latinos (AHL) Fellowship Program

The Advancing Hispanics & Latinos (AHL) Fellowship Program offers a six-week paid, full-time summer fellowship in select JPMorgan Chase offices. The AHL Fellowship Program is designed to attract undergraduate sophomores interested in early exposure to careers in financial services and is committed to advancing individuals from underrepresented groups in this industry. The fellowship is divided into two parts, with 3 weeks dedicated to learning about JPMorgan Chase and 3 weeks focused on understanding how the firm operates. Fellows receive training, skill development, and on-the-job experience.

8. ASPIRE Fellowship

The ASPIRE Fellowship offers immersive learning experiences to engineering students from historically and currently underrepresented backgrounds in accelerator engineering, including those with Black, Latino, and Indigenous identities, as well as women. The fellowship lasts 15-18 months, and fellows are paid a salary dependent on the participant’s current degree level. national laboratory of high-energy particle physics.

9. AGA-Dr. Young Guts Scholar Program

The Young Guts Scholar Program supports undergraduate students from racial, ethnic, and other traditionally underrepresented groups in biomedical research, enabling them to conduct mentored research related to digestive diseases. The program aims to increase the diversity of investigators in digestive disease research and help students pursue a career in science or medicine. This 10-month program provides a stipend of \$6,000, AGA membership, and a travel allowance to attend the Digestive Disease Week conference.

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10. AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities

The AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities aims to provide financial support to students who have been historically underrepresented in the sciences, with a particular focus on Hispanic, Native American, and Black/African American students. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity in the atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences. citizens or hold permanent resident status and have career aspirations in the atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

11. Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

The Chicana Latina Foundation annually awards merit-based scholarships valued at \$1,500 to 40-45 powerful Latina students. Awardees will participate in a year-long program. Scholars are selected for their commitment to equality and justice for Chicana and Latina women, as well as demonstrated leadership qualities and experience on behalf of the Latinx community. Applicants must self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina and be enrolled in an accredited college or university as a graduate or undergraduate student in California counties.

12. CHCI Internship Program

This paid internship enables promising college students from Latino and Hispanic backgrounds to spend one semester in Washington, DC, honing their professional skills and deepening their understanding of public policy while interacting with top leaders nationwide. Interns participate in weekly networking events, professional development workshops, corporate and congressional office experience, and gain access to a vast alumni network (the CHLI Alumni Association).

13. Code2040 Fellows Program

The Code2040 Fellows Program is a summer opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students who self-identify as Black and/or Latinx, equally interested in technology and racial equity. For 9 weeks, selected Code2040 Fellows will complete an internship at a top tech company, participate in racial equity advocacy workshops, and engage in various other learning experiences. Applicants must have experience with coding and intend to return to school in the following fall semester.

14. ExxonMobil LOFT Fellowship

The ExxonMobil LOFT Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for Hispanic college students in a STEM field who are interested in working in a corporate setting. Established through a partnership between the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and ExxonMobil, the LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) program comprises five hour-long mentoring sessions with a designated ExxonMobil engineer or scientist. Aside from exposure to STEM corporate careers, Fellows receive a \$1,000 educational grant, an introductory curriculum to ExxonMobil careers, and an open track to future interview opportunities at ExxonMobil.

15. Hispanic Heritage Foundation Awards

Each year, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) presents several awards to high-achieving and talented Latino high school seniors for their academic excellence and community contributions. Award recipients excel in various fields, including community service, education, engineering, entrepreneurship and business, green sustainability, healthcare and science, media and entertainment, public service and social justice, and technology.

16. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) created the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF) to provide financial assistance to empower Latino students and increase college enrollment. This is made possible by a unique partnership with grassroots organizations and corporations. citizens, legal permanent residents, or granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Students must also have applied to or be enrolled in a college or university. Two-year colleges and vocational schools are also eligible.

17. Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) offers scholarships to Hispanic graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, professionals, and graduate students pursuing a degree in STEM fields. To be eligible, students should be active SHPE members, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, plan to pursue a STEM degree, and plan to enroll in a college or university. ScholarshipSHPE awards more than 200 scholarships totaling over \$1,000,000 to provide scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing a STEM degree. over \$1 million in scholarship awards per academic year.

18. AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship Program

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) aims to increase the representation of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, such as Hispanics or Latinos, African Americans, and Alaska Natives, in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation research. The fellowship program offers mentoring and guidance to support the production of excellent research that leads to publication. Eligible graduate students will be at the writing stage of their dissertation by the beginning of the fellowship.

19. AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students

The AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students ensures that Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) of diverse backgrounds are represented in college and university classrooms. The program aims to increase the number of minority CPAs in academic environments, serving as role models and mentors to support the next generation of professionals. The Foundation awards annual fellowships of \$12,000 to full-time accounting scholars who demonstrate significant potential to become accounting educators.

20. ASA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP)

The ASA Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) supports minority students pursuing a doctoral degree in sociology by creating a diverse and highly trained workforce. The ASA provides a stipend of \$20,000 for each annual award and works with departments to arrange tuition payments for the academic year. Fellows also receive travel support and access to a network of sociologists. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible under DACA.

21. CHCI Graduate Fellowship Program

The CHCI Graduate Fellowship is a nine-month, DC-based paid fellowship program designed for Latino professionals interested in pursuing careers in public policy. This program aims to enhance the leadership and professional skills of participating fellows through hands-on experience within a congressional office or committee setting. Interested applicants must have earned a master’s degree within three years of the fellowship start date. Topic areas include Higher Education, Secondary Education, Health, Housing, Law, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

22. Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship

The Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship seeks to enhance the representation of minority scholars and teachers in musicology. In Canada, this includes aboriginal peoples and visible minorities as defined by Canadian legislation. The fellowship carries a twelve-month stipend of \$24,000. Latina/o/x Studies.

23. Smithsonian Latino Museum Studies Program Fellowship

Hosted by the National Museum of the American Latino, in partnership with various Smithsonian museums and centers, the program provides lectures, workshops, and guided tours of the Smithsonian led by curators, researchers, and other museum professionals. Fellows will work closely with Smithsonian experts on an ongoing Smithsonian project. work authorization.

24. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program

The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship program aims to address the underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic faculty at colleges and universities in Florida by increasing the pool of Ph.D. degree holders qualified to teach at the university level. Each year, up to 50 fellowships are awarded to students intending to pursue doctoral degrees at the nine participating Florida universities in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. The fellowship provides up to \$17,000.

25. The Consortium Fellowship Program

The Consortium increases minority representation in Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs by providing merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to the nation’s leading MBA programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of promoting inclusion in their schools, workplaces, and personal lives. Students interested are encouraged to begin researching schools and building their undergrad portfolios.

26. Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship

The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship is open to full-time students in healthcare graduate programs, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and master’s in public health. Applicants should possess outstanding academic skills, demonstrate leadership, and be committed to serving the Hispanic community through healthcare services. In partnership with the United Health Foundation (UHF), a unique mentoring program is also offered where award recipients are mentored by a professional in their area of interest.

27. Western Michigan University Graduate Education and the Professoriate (WMU-GEP) Fellowships

Western Michigan University Graduate Education and the Professoriate (WMU-GEP) Fellowships offer African-American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, or Native American students one year of funding and tuition remission for science or social science doctoral programs. Eligible areas of study include STEM fields, sociology, political science, psychology, and economics. This competitive fellowship also includes a service component assigned by the graduate college.

Additional Scholarship Programs

El Café Bustelo Scholarship: Aims to invest in the Latino community by awarding those who seek better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. They’re looking for motivated college students with a passion for community involvement and furthering their education.
Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund: Awards students who are facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need. Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Funds are non-renewable and applicants cannot be recipients of other LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) Scholarships at the time of application.
SigaLa Education Scholarship: Seeks to support minority students who are pursuing careers in STEM in order to make a difference in the world.
HAC Abroad Scholarship: Provides funding opportunities for students currently attending a Hispanic-serving institution in the spring, summer, or fall.
EducationDynamics Scholarship: Awards one \$10,000 scholarship!
Barreir Opportunity Scholarship: Hopes to turn the tide and open doors that once seemed closed.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship: Awards students who demonstrate exceptional business principles and achievements to gain the experience they need.
Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley: Awards the Latinos in Technology Scholarship to up to 100 Latino students who are studying a STEM-related field.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Given in honor of the groundbreaking presence of Jackie Robinson, this scholarship funds four years of higher education for students of color. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship seeks to reward students who have demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment to community service.
William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship: Aims to increase the diversity of registered nurses at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
GFOA Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship: Provides funding opportunities for exceptional minority students.
NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship: Helps fund the education of undergraduate Latino students pursuing a degree in the media and entertainment industry. Focus on communications, graphic design, journalism, marketing, and public relations.
Prospanica Foundation Scholarship: Funds the education of undergraduate and graduate students in the Hispanic community who aim to make meaningful contributions to the community and reach their full educational potential.
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards: Honors Latino high school seniors who demonstrate involvement in their community and an exceptional academic record. Students are recognized in the following categories: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, and Technology & Engineering.
Spectrum Scholarship Program: Awards minority students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree, as well as leadership positions within ALA.
Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (Fall Scholarship / Spring Scholarship): After graduation, recipients are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship.
William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship: With the dream of diversifying leadership in Indiana classrooms, the William A.
MTI Scholarship Program: Awards Illinois students who plan to teach within the state.
PMAHCC Foundation Scholarship Program: Provides grants ranging from \$1,000 to \$2,500 to students.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Scholarship: Minority students interested in learning about the countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Search

Don't limit yourself to Hispanic scholarships: Explore diversity scholarships, scholarships related to your major, and other opportunities based on your unique skills and interests.
Use scholarship search platforms: Sign up for Going Merry and complete your profile to be matched with relevant scholarships.
Pay attention to details: Carefully review eligibility requirements and application instructions for each scholarship.
Submit all required documents: Ensure you complete the FAFSA and provide all necessary paperwork.
Network: Attend events hosted by organizations like the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley to connect with other students and professionals in your field.

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