How do I apply?

The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards online application is now available. Visit YouthAwards.HispanicHeritage.org to start your application.

Do I qualify for the Award?

To participate in the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards you must be:

1. A graduating high school senior
2. Planning to enroll in college in the fall
3. A citizen or permanent resident of the US
4. Of Hispanic/Latino descent (at least one parent)
5. Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
6. Willing to travel to the awards ceremony in your selected region

What are the 12 Youth Award Regions?

Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, San Diego, Northern California, Miami, Houston, Philadelphia/New Jersey

* Other regions may be added. Please check the web site for more information.

What do Award Winners Receive?

GOLD MEDALLION: $3,000 educational grant

SILVER MEDALLION: $2,000 educational grant

BRONZE MEDALLION: $1,000 educational grant

NATIONAL HHYA RECIPIENTS RECEIVE: $5,000 educational grant and a laptop computer

When are Award Recipients Selected?

The Regional Award Recipients will be selected and informed during the spring of each year. Regional Awards Ceremonies take place during the Spring. You must agree to attend the Regional Award Ceremony in order to be eligible to receive the award and travel at your own expense.

National Youth Award Recipients are announced in June.

If I am Portuguese or Brazilian, do I qualify?

Yes! Portuguese and Brazilian descendants do qualify. They must meet all other Youth Awards Criteria.

Can I apply if I am getting my GED?

YES! If you are under the age of 21 and are receiving your GED, you are eligible for the Hispanic Heritage Youth Award.

What other programs can help me advance my education?

Visit our list of Scholarships, grants and other resources by clicking here.

How do we become a Youth Awards host city?

The Hispanic Heritage Regional Youth Awards identify and celebrate the next generation of Hispanic role models by coordinating ceremonies and providing educational grants in 12 cities across America. We have a solid formula that has been extremely successful and we believe it can work in your region. For more information on becoming a Youth Awards City, click here.

What are the 2008 Youth Award Categories
The 2008 Categories are:  Business, Sponsored by NSHMBA; Education, Sponsored by Southwest Airlines; Engineering and Mathematics, sponsored by ExxonMobil; Journalism, Sponsored by NBC Universal/Telemundo; Leadership, Sponsored by Sallie Mae; and Sports, Sponsored by SUBWAY Restaurants

Can I apply to more than one category?
YES. The more categories you apply to, the more chances you have of winning.

Can I apply to more than one region?
NO.  You can only apply to one region.  If selected for the Youth Awards, you must be willing and able to attend the event at your own cost.

If I am not a high school senior, can I apply for the Youth Awards?
NO. Our Youth Awards Program is only open to Graduating High School Seniors. Other scholarship and grant information can be found by clicking here.

What does HHF consider Hispanic or Latino ancestry?
If you or one of your parents can directly trace your ancestry to Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, the Spanish speaking Caribbean or the Philippines, then you qualify for this award.

When & Where are the 2008 regional ceremonies
Click here for the most up to date list