Top scholarships for first-generation Hispanic student – if you are a first-generation Hispanic student in search of scholarships for first-generation Hispanic students, including eligibility, application tips, and deadlines, this article is for you.
In the United States, being the first in your family to attend a college is a significant honor and a tremendous challenge.
As a first-generation Hispanic student, you’re full of ambition, carrying the hopes of your family, breaking barriers, and paving the way for new opportunities. But let’s be honest, financial challenges can make the journey tougher than it should be.
The good news? You’re not alone.
Many organizations understand your unique story and offer scholarships specifically for first-generation Hispanic students like you, to help ease the financial burden and support your dreams.
This article will explore the top 10 Best Scholarships for First-Generation Hispanic Students.
Why Scholarships for First-Generation Hispanic Students?
According to the Pew Research Center, Hispanics make up nearly 20% of college students in the United States, a number that continues to grow. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college and often come from low-income backgrounds. Without guidance and financial support, the college journey can be overwhelming.
Scholarships tailored to first-generation Hispanic students help bridge the gap, address systemic barriers, acknowledge cultural and financial struggles, and encourage academic achievement.
Top Scholarships for First-Generation Hispanic Student
Below are 10 most impactful scholarships available to First-generation students, each with eligibility for Hispanic or Latino heritage students who are first in their families to pursue higher education.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) was established in 1975 in Los Angeles, California, during a time when access to higher education for Hispanic Americans was severely limited. Recognizing the economic and educational barriers faced by Latino families, HSF was founded to empower Hispanic students through scholarships and resources that support their pursuit of college degrees.
Originally started as a grassroots initiative, HSF has grown into the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Latino students complete a higher education. Over the years, it has awarded more than $675 million in scholarships to over 65,000 students.
HSF’s mission is to empower Latino families with the knowledge and resources to complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional Hispanic American students as possible.
HSF Scholarship Eligibility:
- Must be of Hispanic heritage
- U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (high school) or 2.5 (college)
- Plans to enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university
Award Amount:
Up to $5,000 per year
Deadline:
Typically opens in January and closes in February
Website: hsf.net
2. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) was launched in 2017 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a continuation and expansion of the earlier Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP), which began in 1999. The original GMSP aimed to provide outstanding minority students with an opportunity to reach their highest potential through higher education. Over the years, GMSP funded over 20,000 scholars.
Recognizing the continuing disparities in educational access, especially for low-income, high-achieving minority students. The Gates Scholarship was created as a more targeted and intensive effort. It focuses on not just funding students but also offering holistic support through leadership development, career guidance, and mentorship.
The Gates Scholarship mission is to ensure that high-potential, low-income minority students can realize their maximum potential.
The Gates Scholarship Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Must be a minority (including Hispanic/Latino)
- Pell Grant eligible
- First-generation student status favored
- Minimum GPA of 3.3
Award Amount:
Full cost of college attendance
Deadline:
July to September application window
Website: thegatesscholarship.org
3. McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship
Established in 1985, the McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarship was created to support Hispanic students in the United States pursuing higher education. Recognizing the challenges faced by Hispanic communities in accessing college education, McDonald’s aimed to bridge this gap through financial assistance and resources. Over the years, the program has awarded more than $33 million in scholarships to over 17,000 students nationwide
The mission of the HACER® Scholarship is to empower Hispanic students by providing financial support and resources to help them achieve their educational goals.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. permanent legal resident or citizen
- Hispanic heritage
- Demonstrate financial need
- Minimum GPA is not officially required, but academic achievement is considered
Award Amount:
Up to $100,000
Deadline:
February
Website: mcdonalds.com
4. SHPE Foundation Scholarships
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) offers the ScholarSHPE program, a comprehensive scholarship initiative designed to support Hispanic students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Since 2018, SHPE has awarded over 1,500 scholarships, totaling more than $6 million, to students across the United States.
Founded in 1974 in Los Angeles, California, SHPE was established by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Latino community
SHPE’s mission is to promote the development of Hispanics in engineering, science, and other technical professions to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity, and social equity
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Hispanic/Latino heritage
- Pursuing a STEM degree
- Enrolled full-time
- GPA of 2.75 or above
Award Amount:
$1,000 – $5,000
Deadline:
May
Website: shpe.org
5. Prospanica Foundation Scholarship
The Prospanica Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious program dedicated to supporting Hispanic and Latino students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in business-related fields. Established by Prospanica—formerly known as the National Society of Hispanic MBAs—this scholarship aims to foster educational advancement and professional growth within the Hispanic community.
Founded in 1988, Prospanica has been committed to empowering Hispanic professionals to achieve their full educational, economic, and social potential. The organization’s mission is to enable Hispanic professionals to realize their full potential through education, networking, and career opportunities. The Prospanica Foundation Scholarship embodies this mission by providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to their communities.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Hispanic/Latino heritage
- Member of Prospanica (free for students)
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in business-related programs
Award Amount:
Up to $5,000
Deadline:
Typically in spring
Website: prospanica.org
6. Latinos in Technology Scholarship – Silicon Valley Community Foundation
The Latinos in Technology Scholarship (LITS) is a transformative initiative established by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) in 2016. Its primary goal is to address the significant underrepresentation of Latinos in the high-tech workforce of Silicon Valley. Despite Latinos comprising approximately 28% of Silicon Valley’s population, they account for less than 3% of its tech workforce. LITS aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive support to Latino students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The mission of LITS is to increase the number of Latino professionals in STEM.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Latino origin
- Majoring in STEM
- Enrolled or accepted into a four-year university
- Reside in specific counties in California
Award Amount:
Up to $30,000 over three years
Deadline:
February
Website: siliconvalleycf.org
7. Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program, established in 2004 by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, is a comprehensive scholarship and college completion initiative designed to support students who demonstrate determination and ambition in the face of personal challenges. Recognizing that financial assistance alone is insufficient for college success, the program offers a multifaceted support system to help students navigate the complexities of higher education and achieve their academic and career goals.
The Dell Scholars Program was created to address the barriers that prevent many students from completing college, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The program’s mission is to provide students with the necessary resources and support to overcome obstacles and attain a college degree. By focusing on students who have shown grit and potential, the program aims to increase college graduation rates among underserved populations.
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Participating in a college readiness program
- Pell Grant eligible
- Minimum GPA of 2.4
- Demonstrate drive to succeed
Award Amount:
$20,000 + laptop and mentoring support
Deadline:
October
Website: dellscholars.org
8. La Unidad Latina Foundation Scholarship
The La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF) Scholarship is a distinguished initiative dedicated to supporting Latino students in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 1999 by alumni of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., the foundation aims to address the educational disparities faced by the Latino community by providing financial assistance and resources to undergraduate and graduate students across the United States.
The inception of LULF was driven by a commitment to advance Latino educational achievement. Recognizing the systemic challenges and financial barriers that many Latino students encounter
Scholarship Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an accredited university
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Demonstrate community service
Award Amount:
$500 – $1,000
Deadline:
October
Website: lulfoundation.org
9. AAUW (American Association of University Women)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is one of the oldest and most influential nonprofit organizations in the United States dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research.
AAUW was founded in 1881 by a group of 17 women college graduates who were committed to breaking educational barriers for women at a time when higher education for women was rare. The organization was initially called the Association of Collegiate Alumnae. In 1921, it merged with the Southern Association of College Women and became the American Association of University Women.
Since then, AAUW has grown into a nationwide network with over 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners.
AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Here are the main programs where Hispanic/Latina students are eligible and often awarded:
- 1. Career Development Grants
- For Women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to advance or change careers.
- Hispanic women returning to school, entering nontraditional fields (like STEM), or improving career prospects.
- Award: $2,000 – $20,000
- Deadline: November annually
- 2. American Fellowships
- For U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies.
- Hispanic women in master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral programs.
- Award: $8,000 – $50,000
- Deadline: November annually
- 3. Community Action Grants
- For Individuals or nonprofits conducting community-based projects for women and girls.
- Hispanic students or educators launching equity initiatives or mentoring programs.
- Award: $3,000 – $10,000
- Deadline: December annually
- 4. Selected Professions Fellowships
- Women pursuing degrees in underrepresented professions (STEM, architecture, law, business, etc.)
- For Hispanic women entering male-dominated fields.
- Award: Up to $25,000
- Eligibility: Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Website: https://www.aauw.org
Apply for Fellowships: AAUW Fellowships & Grants
10. Amplifying Latinx Voices Scholarship
The Amplifying Latinx Voices Scholarship is a targeted initiative designed to support Latinx graduate students in Texas and Colorado who are pursuing careers in mental health. This scholarship aims to empower future mental health professionals committed to making a positive impact within their communities.
The scholarship’s mission is to support Latinx students passionate about making an impact on their communities through careers as mental health professionals.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Identify as Latinx.
- Be enrolled as a graduate student.
- Pursue an education in mental health.
- Attend a graduate program in Texas or Colorado.
How to Qualify and Stand Out as a First-Gen Applicant
Scholarships for Hispanic and first-generation students are competitive, but with a strategic approach, you can stand out. Apply the following strategies to stand out in your application.
1. Craft a Powerful Personal Essay
Your essay is often the most critical part of your application. Focus on:
- Your background as a first-generation student
- Challenges you’ve overcome
- How your heritage has shaped your goals
- How do you plan to give back to your community
2. Prepare Strong Recommendation Letters
Ask teachers, counselors, or community leaders who can speak about:
- Your character
- Academic performance
- Leadership or community involvement
3. Create a Resume with Volunteer & Leadership Roles
Even if you haven’t held formal jobs, list:
- Volunteering in your community
- Mentorship programs
- Roles in cultural or church organizations
4. Apply Early and Track Deadlines
Use a spreadsheet to monitor:
- Deadlines
- Required documents
- Submitted vs pending status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What defines a first-generation college student?
A first-generation college student is someone whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree
Can undocumented or DACA students apply?
Yes. Some scholarships (like HSF and HACER®) welcome applications from DACA recipients and undocumented students. Always check specific eligibility.
What is the best time to apply for scholarships?
Start during your junior year of high school. Many deadlines fall between November and March.
Are there scholarships for Hispanic women or STEM majors?
Yes. Look into SHPE, Latinas in STEM Foundation, and the AAUW (American Association of University Women)
Am I considered a first-generation college student if one of my parents attended college but did not graduate?
Yes, many scholarship programs define “first-generation” as someone whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree.
What GPA do I need to qualify for Hispanic scholarships?
GPA requirements vary. Some require a minimum of 2.5, while highly competitive ones like The Gates Scholarship may require 3.3+.
Can graduate students apply for Hispanic-focused scholarships?
Yes, scholarships like the AAUW Career Development Grant, La Unidad Latina Foundation, and Prospanica Foundation support graduate students.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for these scholarships?
Not always. Some programs accept permanent residents, undocumented, or DACA students. Always check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
When is the best time to apply for Hispanic scholarships?
Most major scholarship deadlines fall between October and March. However, opportunities like Dell Scholars and local scholarships may have varying timelines.
Can I apply for multiple Hispanic scholarships at once?
Absolutely. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of getting financial aid.
Are there scholarships for specific majors or careers?
Yes. For example, SHPE Foundation Scholarships are for STEM majors, and Latinos in Technology targets students studying computer science or engineering.
Conclusion
Being a first-generation Hispanic student comes with both challenges and unmatched strength. Scholarships exist not just to offer financial help, but to recognize your journey and invest in your future.
Take the time to apply, share your story authentically, and pursue every opportunity. Your education is not only a personal milestone—it’s a legacy for your family and community.
Recommended
How To Answer Summary Questions – 10 Best Ways
15 Best Christian Universities in the USA
Cheapest nursing schools in the USA
How to Get Scholarships in the USA for International Students
How to Get Scholarships in High School – Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid
20 Best Dental Courses in the USA for International Students