The Utah Hispanic Business Leadership Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship. Current and prospective college students of Hispanic/Latino descent have the opportunity to apply for both a scholarship valid at any institution and a four-year scholarship to the U.
The scholarship recognizes Hispanic students who have strong academic merit and who strengthen diversity through leadership in their school or community. Students do not have to be pursuing business degrees to be considered for the award.
“We saw there was a need to make an impact on Hispanic students financially,” said Robert Rendon, president of the foundation. “We are kind of unique in that we offer scholarships to students pursuing all kinds of careers. We try to be flexible and affect our entire community.”
More than 200 students applied for the scholarship last year.
“We have many outstanding scholars in our community, I am so proud of our students who excel in school, many while holding down part (time) jobs to assist their families,” Rendon said in a statement.
The nonprofit organization founded in 2002 promotes business and education opportunities for Hispanic students, professionals and business owners.
Since its creation, the foundation has awarded more than 40 scholarships. This year alone, the foundation will award about 30 scholarships.
The foundation funds the scholarships with help from the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and members of the community — Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike. The foundation has partnerships with different institutions of higher learning and with different companies. Ivory Homes, Morgan Stanley, Tom Guinney & Gastronomy, and State Farm are just some of the companies that help fund the scholarship, Rendon said. The annual Christmas gala and golf tournament also raise funds for the scholarships.
The four-year scholarship was created in part by the Ibarra Foundation, a local organization aimed at making higher education available to qualified students. The Ibarra Foundation provides the award in partnership with the U.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be near high school graduation or in an institution of higher learning and have a 2.0 GPA or higher. Students may use the scholarship to pursue all types of majors and careers.
“We have awarded scholarships to students in law school, brick mason training and (students) entering the Police Academy,” Rendon said. The foundation will award the scholarships at the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Christmas Gala.
The foundation also looks at financial need to determine the scholarship recipients.
The Utah Hispanic Business Leadership Foundation will accept scholarship applications postmarked no later than Sept. 28.
Students and prospective students who are interested can find a list of requirements and the scholarship application packet online at the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website, www.utahhcc.com.