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Esta página no está disponible en español. PR Newswire Hispanic Scholarship Fund Awards Record $26 Million To Latino Students During 2002-2003 Academic Year May 14, 2003 SAN FRANCISCO - The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education, today announced it has awarded more than $26 million in college scholarships during the 2002-2003 academic year, enabling more than 7,500 Latino students in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to further their college education. The $26 million figure represents scholarships awarded through HSF's College Scholarship, High School Scholarship, Community College Transfer Scholarship and Partnership and Internship programs, as well as awards through the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and by the HSF Institute, HSF's sister organization. "In the past academic year, HSF has increased the number of scholarships awarded, the number of students helped and the number of programs developed and implemented - all in support of Hispanic parents and students across the country," said Sara Martinez Tucker, HSF president and CEO. "Because these numbers reflect a need - one that we are working to satisfy with the support of corporate partners and private foundations - we must continue to provide Latinos with new tools and resources necessary to pursue a college education, so we can break the cycle of under-education in the Hispanic community." In addition to the unprecedented amount of financial support HSF secured for Latino students in the past academic year, HSF also continued to establish innovative ways to build a pipeline of Latino students entering and graduating from college, while engaging Latino families to become advocates for their children's education. HSF toured the country and hosted more than 30 HSF Steps for Success Saturday Workshops and Town Hall Meetings, providing more than 4,500 students and their families with the critical tools needed to help them graduate from high school college-ready and to successfully navigate the college application and financial aid processes. The HSF Scholar Chapter Network grew from five to 19 chapters on university campuses nationwide, providing students with access to mentors, leadership opportunities and skill-building workshops to help them stay in college and graduate. In an effort to inspire future generations of Latino college graduates, HSF launched its Alumni Hall of Fame in October 2002 that celebrated the stories of five Latinos who, through their accomplishments, contributions and lifetime challenges, demonstrate the power of higher education and mentorship. Each honoree's story illustrates the possibilities offered by higher education and personifies the mission and values of HSF. Among the 2002 inductees was Dr. Richard Carmona, Surgeon General of the United States. Since its founding in 1975 when it awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 115 students in its first year, HSF has experienced tremendous growth. Today, HSF partners with more than 100 Fortune 1000 companies, national and regional foundations, numerous workplace giving campaigns and more than 30 community fundraising events. An independent study found that 97 percent of all students selected as HSF Scholars attain their college degrees. Almost 90 percent of HSF Scholars earn salaries above the national median income, and almost 60 percent earn at least double the average annual income of most working Hispanic Americans. About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Founded in 1975, HSF's vision is to strengthen the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. In support of its mission to double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees, HSF provides the Latino community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. Headquartered in San Francisco, HSF has opened regional offices in Southern and Central California, the Northeast, the Southeast, Texas and the Midwest. In addition, HSF launched the Washington, D.C.-based Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute to generate public partnerships in support of its work. During its 28-year history, HSF has awarded more than 61,000 scholarships in excess of $115 million to Latinos from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have attended more than 1,300 colleges and universities. Hispanic Scholarship Fund CONTACT: Miguel Salinas, +1-415-808-2352, or Terri Hernandez Rosales, +1-415-808-2350, both of Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
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