Hispanic students who are headed to school have several scholarship and grant options to consider. These programs are geared specifically for students with Latino ancestry, and their purpose is to help a minority group that is often underserved, to obtain the same privileges as the rest of the population. Specifically those with higher education credentials.

One such program is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund; this fund gives students access to a number of programs specifically earmarked for students of Latino heritage. The Gates Millennium Scholars program is one of these. It serves minorities of all nationalities, not just students of Hispanic heritage. The program was developed through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 1999 and is available to graduating high school seniors. Regardless of the degree programs they pursue, students with a high GPA can receive money through this program. Qualifying applicants must have GPAs with at least a 3.3 average, have good leadership skills, and be in substantial financial need.

Hispanic College Grants

But Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Margoes Foundation have teamed up to offer a scholarship as well. This program, open only to San Francisco area Latino students, is available to seniors who participate in the College Connect program. Awards can be as high as $2,500.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund assists eligible students through the General college scholarships program. Competition for these awards is strong, but Latino students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and are going to attend school full-time in a degree program, whether it be a two-year or four-year degree, can qualify for the program. It is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, but only if they are pursuing their first degree of that type. Awards are typically $1000-$5000.

Latino students who are looking to pursue a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degree (STEM field) may qualify for the Proctor and Gamble Company scholarship offered through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. This $2,500 scholarship, which is available in a limited number of areas, is offered to Hispanic students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Qualifying students must attend a degree program full-time in either the United States or another of the qualifying territories.

You must complete the FAFSA before you apply for any of these scholarships. Financial need is determined through FAFSA, and is one of the ways authorities decide which students will receive monies for school. For more information on programs for Latino students, talk to your guidance counselor or your school's financial aid office, or visit the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.