Frequently Asked Questions:

QUALIFICATIONS

Who can apply/Do I qualify for the Award?

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

• A current high school JUNIOR (not seniors)
• Planning to enroll in college in 2013-2014
• A citizen or permanent resident of the US
• Of Hispanic/Latino descent (at least one parent)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA ( on a 4.0 scale) or 7.5 (on a 10.0 scale)
• Willing to travel at own cost to the awards ceremony in your selected region. Regional ceremony attendance is absolutely mandatory for students who are selected.
• Graduating Spring 2013

If I am not a high school junior, can I apply for the Youth Awards?

NO. Our Youth Awards Program is only open to current High School Juniors graduating Spring 2013. Other scholarship and grant information can be found by clicking here.

If I'm currently enrolled in college, can I still apply?

NO, but you can visit the link to Other Scholarship Opportunities on the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's website.

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 does HHF consider to be Hispanic/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.

If I am Portuguese or Brazilian, do I qualify?

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

What is an un-weighted GPA?

AP and IB classes give greater point weight to their grades which can result in GPAs over a 4.0. For the purpose of the Youth Awards, we look at un-weighted averages. This levels the playing field for students whose schools do not offer many AP or IB classes.

What if my school does not use a 4 point grading scale?

Some schools use a 10 point grading scale. A 7.5 GPA is equivalent to 3.0.

APPLICATION

What are the Youth Award Regions?

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• New York
• Houston
• Dallas
• Miami
• Phoenix
• San Jose
• Los Angeles
• Washington, DC

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

Can I apply to more than one region?

NO. You can only apply to one (and only one) region. If selected for the Youth Awards, you MUST be willing and able to attend the event at your own cost. Attendance is absolutely mandatory for all selected students to receive grant.

What are the 2012 Youth Award Categories

The 2012 categories include, but are not limited to: Education, Engineering and Mathematics, Community Service, Healthcare/Science and Business.

* Categories are subject to changes. Please check the web site for more information.

Can I apply to more than one category?

YES. The more categories you apply to, the more chances you have of winning. Please note you can only apply to one region.

What is my YA ID (Youth Award ID)?

Your Youth Award ID or YA ID is used internally to track your applications. Your YA ID must be written in the upper right hand corner of all documents that you submit to the Youth Awards. This is found on the upper right hand corner of your online application form.

How do I put together my application package?

See How to Apply Video.

My transcript is in a sealed envelope. Can I open it to assemble my Application?

YES. Please open your transcript and staple it in the correct order with all of your other documents.

My School won't release my transcript to me. What should I do?

If your school will only mail transcripts directly to colleges and grant giving organizations, then ask them to mail your package for you. Provide them with a postage-paid envelope, all of your other materials and the instructions for mailing.

Can I submit an un-official transcript?

YES. Un-official transcripts are fine.

If I have submitted an application online, can I go back and change the details?

NO, but you can delete the application and submit another in its place.

Where do I mail my application?

Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Your YA ID #
1444 Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314

What does postmark date mean?

The postmark date is the latest date that your application package can be stamped by USPS/Fed Ex/DHL/UPS and still be considered.

AWARDS

When are Award Recipients Selected?

• The Regional Award Recipients will be selected and informed during the summer of each year. Regional Awards Ceremonies take place during the fall. You must agree to attend the Regional Award Ceremony at your own expense in order to be eligible to receive your award.
• National Youth Award Recipients are announced in January.

Is this a one-time grant?

YES

How do we find out if we are chose to receive a grant?

HHF will notify all recipients at least two weeks prior to the regional ceremony.

What do Award Recipients Receive?

• REGIONAL HHYA RECIPIENTS RECEIVE: $1,000 educational grant to use for their college education or to fund a community service effort.
• NATIONAL HHYA RECIPIENTS RECEIVE: a laptop computer and paid trip to the National Youth Awards Ceremony (Location TBA).

Where are the events?

Fall semester, 2012. Events will be held at top universities in each of the Youth Awards Region. Please visit our website for future details on each of the events.

What other educational grants can help me advance my education?

Visit our website for more scholarship and educational grant information