The Hispanic College Fund to award $2M in scholarships Nationwide.

The Hispanic College Fund (HCF) launched its 13th annual search to provide 2 million dollars in scholarships to more than 700 outstanding Hispanic college students across America. HCF is looking for the next generation of engineers, business executives, scientists, and health professionals with the drive to become leaders of America’s professional workforce.

Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic merit and financial need. Students can apply online at http://www.hispanicfund.org . The application deadline is April 15, 2006. Awards will be given for the 2006-2007 academic year and can amount anywhere from $500 – $10,000. The HCF Scholarship Program is open to all students with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in studies related to business, finance, engineering and the sciences. Other HCF scholarship programs such as the Sallie Mae First in My Family Program and the ALPFA Scholarship Program have more specific criteria.

HCF Scholars will also become members of a network of community leaders and corporate sponsors who are committed to diversifying the executive workforce. This fall, HCF scholars will be able take advantage of HCF Connections, an online alumni network sponsored by MasterCard International which will offer mentorship opportunities, professional resources, job postings and other resources.

“We award students more than just a scholarship.” said Fernando Barrueta, President & CEO of HCF. “The first step is to help our young people graduate, but we can’t lose sight of the importance of building towards a productive career. Using our close relationship to our sponsors and other Hispanic organizations, we maintain a bountiful network of influential and dedicated mentors. Through programs like HCF Connections and the HYP Leadership & Development Program HCF scholars are better prepared and have a variety of career options as they enter the job market.”

HCF scholars will compete through an essay contest to participate in the HYP Leadership & Development Program. The thirty winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip, traveling on Southwest Airlines to Washington, DC, to participate in the three-day program featuring career workshops, corporate tours, cultural activities, and a mentorship luncheon where they are paired with some of the most influential people in Washington. The program culminates in the Hispanic College Fund’s 13th Annual Scholarship Awards Gala where the scholars are honored for their academic achievements in front of an audience of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, members of Congress and community leaders.

“From the networking session to the Gala, all the activities were opportunities for growth.” said Pedro Perez, an HCF scholar sponsored by Ford Motor Company. “I did not realize the scope of the influence the Hispanic College Fund has on so many. I have to say the event inspired me to make a difference.”

The 2006 HCF Scholarship Program is funded by The Sallie Mae Fund; Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA); Denny’s; Sodexho; MasterCard International; ICI Education Foundation; General Dynamics; Computer Packages; Hanley Wood, LLC; Starwood Hotels; Telemundo – Channel 64; Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation; Eastman Kodak; M&T Bank and Provident Bank.

“This scholarship provides a huge incentive for me to expect greater things from myself, both as a student and as a future engineer” said Oseas Ayerdi, 2005 HCF scholar sponsored by General Dynamics.

The Hispanic College Fund (HCF) is a private non-profit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Hispanic professionals in America. The HCF mission is to provide Hispanic students with the vision, resources, and mentorship needed to attain successful careers and become community leaders. Since its founding in 1993, HCF has supported the education of over 3,000 financially disadvantaged Hispanic students seeking careers in business, science, engineering and technology with over $6 million in grants. Through programs like the HCF Scholarship Program, Hispanic Youth Symposium, Latinos on the Fast Track (LOFT), HCF Connections and the HYP Leadership & Development Program, HCF is enriching lives and building bridges for our future Hispanic leaders.