Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
Offered by Hispanic Heritage Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards have recognized Latino high school seniors for more than two decades, run by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit established by the White House in 1987 to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. The awards honor graduating seniors for achievement in categories spanning areas such as education, STEM, business, media, and community service.
Winners are selected at the regional level across the country, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients named in each category, and national awardees chosen from among the regional winners. Each honoree receives a one-time educational grant that can fund college costs or support a community service initiative addressing a social issue, with grants historically running from roughly $1,000 for regional winners up to several thousand dollars at the national level.
Applicants need a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA (or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale), must be graduating in spring 2027, and must plan to enroll at an accredited higher education institution for the 2027-28 school year. The current application deadline is November 1, 2026, and selected winners must attend a mandatory virtual regional awards ceremony.
Eligibility
- High school senior of Hispanic heritage graduating in spring 2027
- Minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale)
- Must enroll at an accredited higher education institution in the 2027-28 academic year
- If selected, attendance at the virtual regional awards ceremony is mandatory
How To Apply
- Complete the online application through the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Youth Awards portal at hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org before the November 1, 2026 deadline.
- Choose an award category and submit the required short responses and supporting information about your academics, activities, and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for the Youth Awards?
The program is open to Latino students regardless of immigration status in most categories; check the current application for documentation requirements before applying.
How much money do Youth Awards winners receive?
Winners receive a one-time educational grant. Amounts vary by level and category, with regional awards historically around $1,000 and national awards worth several thousand dollars.