Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders
Offered by United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI)
About This Scholarship
The Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders honors the co-founder of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit that has trained young Latino leaders for decades. The award goes to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and a record of leadership, and it is one of the few national scholarships that does not require U.S. citizenship: non-citizens, including undocumented students, may apply.
The application leans heavily on writing. Applicants submit a 500-to-1,000-word self-description covering family history and significant achievements, plus a second essay of the same length on leadership and the future of America. Two letters of recommendation, a resume, an unofficial transcript, and a photo round out the package.
At $1,000, the award is modest, but recipients are honored at USHLI's national conference in Chicago, one of the largest Latino leadership gatherings in the country, and the recognition carries networking value well beyond the check.
Eligibility
- Full-time undergraduate student for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year (high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may apply)
- Age 25 or under
- Enrolled or accepted at an accredited U.S. institution
- Demonstrated financial need
- At least one parent of Hispanic ancestry; U.S. citizenship is not required
- Demonstrated leadership and community involvement
How To Apply
- Gather your unofficial transcript, one-page resume (PDF), and a recent high-resolution color photo
- Write a 500-1,000 word self-description essay covering your family history, life or work experiences, and most significant achievement
- Write a 500-1,000 word leadership essay on your view of the future of America and the leadership it needs
- Request two letters of recommendation
- Submit everything through the application form on the USHLI scholarship page by December 30, 2026, at 11:00 PM CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. USHLI states that non-U.S. citizens may apply, which makes this one of the relatively few national scholarships open to undocumented students.
Can graduate students or college seniors apply?
No. The award is limited to students who will be full-time undergraduates no further along than junior year during the 2026-27 academic year, and applicants must be 25 or younger.
Is the scholarship renewable?
No. It is a one-time, non-renewable $1,000 award, though past recipients gain recognition at USHLI's national leadership conference.