Latino Scholarships to Apply For

Best Scholarships for Latino Students to Apply for in 2025 and Beyond

For Latino students, higher education can open doors to opportunity, leadership, and career growth. Yet the rising costs of college often make the dream of a degree feel out of reach. Scholarships designed specifically for Hispanic and Latino students play a vital role in bridging this gap. They not only provide financial support but also recognize leadership, cultural heritage, and academic excellence.

Whether you are pursuing STEM, finance, business, the arts, or simply working hard to be the first in your family to attend college, there are scholarships designed to support your journey. Below are some of the best opportunities for Latino students in 2025 and 2026.

Top Scholarships for Latino Students

ScholarSHPE

• Award Amount: $2,500 – $10,000
• Deadline: February 28, 2025
• Who It’s For: Hispanic students pursuing STEM degrees.

This program, offered by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), empowers Latino students in STEM by providing both financial support and community. With awards up to $10,000, ScholarSHPE helps students build careers that strengthen Latino representation in science, engineering, and technology.

HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship

• Award Amount: $20,000 (renewable) or $2,500 one-time
• Deadline: March 17, 2025
• Who It’s For: Hispanic or Latinx high school seniors pursuing tech or business fields.

This scholarship from Microsoft’s Hispanic/Latinx employee network promotes diversity in technology. With renewable awards of up to $20,000, it supports students committed to careers in computer science, engineering, or business, making it one of the most competitive and impactful options.

Latinos in Finance (LIF) Scholarship

• Award Amount: Up to $1,500
• Deadline: August 22, 2025
• Who It’s For: Latino students pursuing finance-related fields.

This scholarship develops the next generation of Latino leaders in finance, economics, and related fields. Winners also participate in a bootcamp that provides professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities, making it both a scholarship and a career springboard.

Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship Program

• Award Amount: Up to $8,000 per year
• Deadline: May 30, 2025
• Who It’s For: Latino undergraduates with financial need and community service.

Co-founded by musician Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas, Maestro Cares supports Latino students who have overcome obstacles but remain committed to education. In addition to financial assistance, recipients demonstrate leadership and volunteer service.

Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,000 – $3,000
• Deadline: March 15, 2026
• Who It’s For: Latino students in Colorado, regardless of documentation status.

Since 1949, LAEF has helped Latino students in Colorado access higher education. Beyond scholarships, the program provides mentoring and career guidance, offering holistic support for students who are often first-generation college attendees.

Young Latinas Leadership Institute (YLLI)

• Award Amount: $1,000 annually throughout undergrad
• Deadline: April 2, 2025
• Who It’s For: Latina undergraduates with leadership potential.

This program by 100 Hispanic Women, Inc. fosters Latina leadership in education and beyond. In addition to funding, students participate in workshops that cultivate skills for academic and professional success.

Chicana Latina Foundation Leadership and Scholarship Program

• Award Amount: $1,500 (40–45 scholarships)
• Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Who It’s For: Latina students in Northern California.

This program supports Latina students who are dedicated to equality, justice, and community leadership. In addition to funding, recipients engage in leadership development opportunities, creating a supportive network of peers and mentors.

Hispanic Scholarship Consortium Scholars Program

• Award Amount: Up to $5,000
• Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Who It’s For: Latino students in Texas.

HSC Scholars are chosen for academic achievement and leadership potential. Alongside funding, the program provides mentorship and networking to help Latino students build strong professional pathways.

PMAHCC Foundation Scholarship Program

• Award Amount: Up to $1,000
• Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Who It’s For: Hispanic students in Western Pennsylvania.

Offered by the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this program supports Latino students pursuing higher education. Applicants must also demonstrate strong ties to community involvement.

Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA) Scholarship

• Award Amount: 25%–75% tuition coverage
• Deadline: March 16, 2025
• Who It’s For: Latino students in North Carolina counties including Mecklenburg and Union.

Founded by Latina women nearly 30 years ago, LAWA continues to empower young Latinos to access higher education. With awards based on GPA, financial need, and service, the program helps ensure students succeed both academically and in their communities.

Why Scholarships for Latino Students Are Important

For many Latino students, the path to higher education can be filled with unique financial and cultural challenges. The rising cost of tuition, limited access to resources, and the fact that many students are the first in their families to attend college all create significant barriers. Scholarships designed specifically for Latino students help break down these obstacles and provide opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

• Reducing financial barriers: Scholarships help ease the heavy burden of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. By lessening this financial stress, students are able to dedicate more energy to academics, internships, and community involvement.
• Celebrating culture and identity: These programs recognize the richness of Latino heritage and the value that students bring to campuses nationwide. They highlight cultural pride while affirming the resilience and contributions of Latino families.
• Fostering leadership: Many scholarships are paired with mentorship, professional development, or leadership training. This support equips recipients to not only achieve their own goals but also become role models and changemakers in their communities.
• Encouraging representation: By investing in Latino students, especially in fields like STEM, business, healthcare, and law, scholarships increase representation in spaces where Latino voices are still underrepresented. This diversity strengthens entire industries and paves the way for future generations.

In essence, Latino scholarships are more than financial aid—they are tools of empowerment, designed to ensure that students thrive academically, professionally, and personally while staying connected to their heritage.

Tips for Applying to Latino Scholarships

Applying for scholarships is both an art and a strategy. Latino students can stand out by presenting their full, authentic selves and connecting their applications to the missions of the programs they pursue.

Tell Your Story Authentically: Your heritage, your family’s sacrifices, and your own lived experiences are powerful. Scholarship committees want to hear how your background has shaped your ambitions and your resilience.

Demonstrate Community Impact: Many Latino scholarships place value on leadership and service. Highlight how you’ve volunteered, advocated, or mentored others in your community. Even small contributions can reflect a deep commitment to giving back.

Stay Organized With Deadlines: Because eligibility often varies by region, GPA, or career goals, it’s critical to track deadlines and requirements carefully. A well-organized application process can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Apply Broadly and Strategically: Don’t focus only on big national awards. Local and regional scholarships may have fewer applicants and higher chances of success. Applying to both can maximize your opportunities.

Seek Mentorship and Networks: Organizations like SHPE, LAEF, and other Latino advocacy groups often provide mentorship, networking, and career guidance in addition to funding. Getting involved can strengthen your application and open new doors.

Tailor Each Application: Avoid sending generic essays. Show how your goals align with the mission of each program. This extra effort makes applications stand out and demonstrates genuine interest.