3 answers
Emily
Student
Highland, California
2
Questions
Updated
1186 views
Does your ethnicity play a key role in being considered for a scholarship?
I am half Mexican and have always been a bit discriminated against. I would like to know if it my ethnicity can now be a benefit to me. #scholarships #diversity
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3 answers
Samuel Lowry
Marketing & Communications Manager
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Hi Emily! I know you asked this question like over 2 years ago, but I still wanted to answer it in case someone else out there has the same question you do.
I asked the same question to my Guidance Counselor about 3 and a half years ago, and she advised me to select that I am a Hispanic. I used to struggle as to what I should place for my ethnicity because I come from a multiethnic family. Am I Hispanic or a Westerner? Normally, I choose Other and put I am Hispanic America, because I am proud to be both.
Anyways, to get to your question, and Jennifer said this too, there are scholarships out there specifically to support people with Hispanic roots. I applied with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. I did not get it, but am sure someone who needed it more than me got it. I would suggest going to this link and applying. It is closed right now for the 2020 year, but check in January to see if they open up again.
https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
Hope this helps!
Have a great time in college and remember to always be proud of where you come from; no matter what someone else tells you!
Be Strong,
Samuel Lowry
I asked the same question to my Guidance Counselor about 3 and a half years ago, and she advised me to select that I am a Hispanic. I used to struggle as to what I should place for my ethnicity because I come from a multiethnic family. Am I Hispanic or a Westerner? Normally, I choose Other and put I am Hispanic America, because I am proud to be both.
Anyways, to get to your question, and Jennifer said this too, there are scholarships out there specifically to support people with Hispanic roots. I applied with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. I did not get it, but am sure someone who needed it more than me got it. I would suggest going to this link and applying. It is closed right now for the 2020 year, but check in January to see if they open up again.
https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
Hope this helps!
Have a great time in college and remember to always be proud of where you come from; no matter what someone else tells you!
Be Strong,
Samuel Lowry
Charissa Gonzalez
Executive Assistant
13
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Charissa’s Answer
Hi Emily, you raise a very thought provoking and real question. I hope this helps you find some support in pursuing your higher education.
There are many national and local scholarships specifically created to empower Hispanic/Latino students. These programs aren’t about giving anyone an unfair benefit — they exist to widen access and help close education gaps.
Examples include:
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Posse Foundation – Diversity Scholarships
Latino College Dollars
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards
These programs look for students who are driven, dedicated, and involved — your background is one part of your story that can strengthen your application.
Colleges and universities often have programs that support students from diverse cultural backgrounds because representation matters in higher education. Your perspective enriches classrooms, student organizations, and campus life.
When applying for scholarships or writing personal statements, sharing your lived experiences — including how your identity shaped your resilience, values, and goals — can make your application much stronger. Admissions teams look for authenticity and growth.
Your ethnicity is not the only thing that defines you, but it is a meaningful part of who you are. It can connect you with communities, mentors, and resources designed to support you — all of which can help you succeed.
There are many national and local scholarships specifically created to empower Hispanic/Latino students. These programs aren’t about giving anyone an unfair benefit — they exist to widen access and help close education gaps.
Examples include:
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Posse Foundation – Diversity Scholarships
Latino College Dollars
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards
These programs look for students who are driven, dedicated, and involved — your background is one part of your story that can strengthen your application.
Colleges and universities often have programs that support students from diverse cultural backgrounds because representation matters in higher education. Your perspective enriches classrooms, student organizations, and campus life.
When applying for scholarships or writing personal statements, sharing your lived experiences — including how your identity shaped your resilience, values, and goals — can make your application much stronger. Admissions teams look for authenticity and growth.
Your ethnicity is not the only thing that defines you, but it is a meaningful part of who you are. It can connect you with communities, mentors, and resources designed to support you — all of which can help you succeed.
Jennifer Galvin ☁ Queen of Apps ☁
Technology Sales Strategist at Okta
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Yes, some scholarships are specifically targeted to folks of a certain ethnicity or background to increase diversity. You can do some research and use these to your advantage.
If the scholarship does not specifically require a certain background, take care that it also does not discriminate against something else that may disqualify you prior to applying.