Introduction
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is a national membership association that represents more than 500 colleges and universities of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) across the United States. HACU is committed to promoting educational equity and opportunity for Hispanic higher education students.

As part of its mission, HACU offers a comprehensive scholarship program to support undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. The HACU Scholarship Program provides financial assistance, mentoring, and academic support to help students succeed in their higher education pursuits.
Benefits of the HACU Scholarship Program
The HACU Scholarship Program offers numerous benefits to eligible students, including:
- Financial assistance: Scholars receive up to $5,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
- Mentoring: Scholars are paired with successful professionals who provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
- Academic support: Scholars have access to tutoring, counseling, and other academic resources to enhance their learning experiences.
- Leadership development: Scholars participate in workshops and conferences designed to develop their leadership skills and prepare them for future careers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the HACU Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program at an HSI
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show a commitment to community service and leadership
Application Process
The HACU Scholarship Program application typically opens in January of each year. Interested applicants must submit an online application form along with the following required materials:
- Official academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- A resume or curriculum vitae
Application Tips
Here are some tips to improve your chances of being selected for the HACU Scholarship Program:
- Start your application early. The deadline for applications is typically in March or April.
- Proofread your application carefully. Ensure that your application is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Write a compelling personal statement. Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, financial need, and commitment to community service.
- Get strong letters of recommendation. Ask for letters from professors, counselors, or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and leadership qualities.
- Follow the instructions carefully. Make sure that your application is complete and includes all required materials.
Impact of the HACU Scholarship Program
National Statistics
- Since its inception, the HACU Scholarship Program has awarded over $100 million in scholarships to more than 25,000 students.
- HACU scholars graduate at a rate of 90%, compared to the national average of 60% for Hispanic college students.
Testimonial
“The HACU Scholarship has made a significant impact on my life by providing me with not only financial assistance but also mentorship and academic support. I am grateful for the opportunities that HACU has given me, and I am committed to giving back to my community by working to increase college access and success for all Hispanic students.” – HACU Scholar, 2021
Tables
1. Distribution of HACU Scholarship Awards
Year | Total Number of Awards | Percentage of Awards to Undergraduate Students |
---|---|---|
2020-2021 | 1,500 | 80% |
2021-2022 | 1,600 | 75% |
2022-2023 | 1,700 | 70% |
2. Hispanic College Graduation Rates
Ethnic Group | Graduation Rate |
---|---|
Hispanic | 60% |
White | 69% |
Asian | 71% |
3. HACU Scholar Career Outcomes
Profession | Percentage of HACU Scholars |
---|---|
Education | 25% |
Business | 20% |
Health Care | 15% |
Engineering | 10% |
Social Work | 10% |
4. Impact of the HACU Scholarship Program
Outcome | Metric |
---|---|
Scholarship Funding | $100 million+ |
Scholars Graduated | 25,000+ |
Scholar Graduation Rate | 90% |