Mas Family Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Mas Family Scholarships, run by the Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation, bill themselves as the largest scholarship program for students of Cuban descent in the United States. Hundreds of students have gone through the program, which honors the legacy of the late Cuban American business and civic leader Jorge Mas Canosa and pairs financial support with an emphasis on mentorship and leadership development.
Eligibility reaches both students born in Cuba and those of direct Cuban descent, and both undergraduates and graduate students can apply — but the academic bar is high. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA, full-time enrollment at an accredited college or university for the upcoming academic year, and a record of leadership and community service. Documentation matters here: the application asks for proof of Cuban descent along with transcripts, test scores, and financial aid paperwork (FAFSA or CSS Profile).
Once awarded, the scholarship can travel with you: scholars may renew annually until degree completion, up to four years, as long as they stay enrolled full time and keep a 3.0 GPA. The application package is substantial — a 500-word personal statement, a separate 1,000-word essay on an assigned topic, a resume, and three recommenders — so this is a scholarship to start early, not the weekend before the January deadline.
Eligibility
- Born in Cuba or of direct Cuban descent (proof of descent required)
- Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Enrolled full time in an accredited U.S. college or university for the upcoming academic year
- Undergraduate or graduate degree candidates
- Demonstrated leadership potential and community service involvement
- Financial documentation (FAFSA or CSS Profile) required
How To Apply
- Gather proof of Cuban descent, academic transcripts, and test scores before the application opens October 15, 2026
- Write the 500-word personal statement and the 1,000-word essay on the assigned topic
- Prepare a resume and line up three recommenders with current contact information
- Complete FAFSA or CSS Profile documentation for the financial review
- Submit the full application at masfamilyscholarships.org by January 31, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be born in Cuba to qualify?
No. Students born in Cuba and students of direct Cuban descent are both eligible, but every applicant must document that heritage as part of the application.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Scholars can renew the award each year until they finish their degree, up to a maximum of four years, provided they remain enrolled full time and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full time at accredited institutions.