Nissan honors Hispanic scholars.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) will honor 14 Hispanic students with scholarships during a Celebration of Achievement ceremony being held at Univision in Los Angeles, California.

The students are recipients of the HSF/NNA Community College Transfer Scholarship Program created to provide financial assistance to community college students of Hispanic heritage transferring to a four-year college or university in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

“Our contribution to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund reflects Nissan’s ongoing dedication to diversity and educational access,” said Terri Hines, senior manager, public affairs at NNA.

Many of the students being honored have overcome significant obstacles and life challenges. Jose Manaiza, one of the 14 recipients, will be graduating next year from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in mathematics and economics, despite all the odds stacked against him. Jose arrived in the United States only four years ago, unable to speak English and facing severe poverty.

“I came to the United States with the American Dream in my heart, and with my education I want to improve my life and work to better the lives of people here and around the world,” Manaiza said.

Through the HSF/NNA Community College Transfer Scholarship Program, Manaiza has found an invaluable aid in paying for his tuition, fees and books. Upon graduation, Manaiza aspires to assist those facing the same struggles he faced.

This year, NNA will donate $117,650 to support scholarships for recipients in California and Texas. To date, NNA has awarded 164 scholarships and has contributed close to $600,000 to HSF since the launch of the HSF/NNA partnership in 1995.