2015_Hispanic_Heritage_Scholarship_Fund_Application

Dear Hispanic Scholar,
What an exciting year it has been for the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando (HHSFMO). This fund
provides annual scholarships to Hispanic students for local high school seniors and local university and colleges students.
I am proud to report, since our inception in 2000, the HHSFMO has awarded almost $1 million in scholarships to 239
students in Central Florida. The HHSFMO recognizes the continuing need for quality education, the financial challenges
of our community, and the difference scholarship support can have in a student’s academic success.
This scholarship allows students to continue their education so they make a positive impact in our community. Thanks to
the generosity and support of our sponsors, we can facilitate the completion of a college education to many students
who without this assistance will find it challenging or impossible to reach their educational goals. For this reason, both
sponsors and scholarship recipients are recognized at the HHSFMO’s Annual Awards Ceremony in October.
I would like to also thank the Board of Directors, community partners and all volunteers who donate their time, treasure
and talents to support our mission in making this scholarship fund a success. In addition, I would like to commend you
and other students who are taking action to create a better future and who strive to improve the quality of life for
everyone. Your tireless efforts are what make this scholarship so successful and we will continue to commit to your
future as long as there are future leaders in need.
In 2015 and beyond, we will continue to provide opportunities that maximize our reach and impact. After all, while our
own actions can better the world, the actions we inspire in others can profoundly change it. That is the true promise we
give to all the students. Please continue to strive and grow as a leader within our community and be the change you
want to see in the world.
Sincerely,
Adriana Comellas-Macretti
Adriana Comellas-Macretti, Chair
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 1
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant must meet all requirements below in order to be considered for the 2015-2016 Hispanic
Scholarship award.
 Be of Hispanic/Latin descent
 Be a U.S. citizen OR legal permanent resident OR have DACA status (Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals)
 Must have applied for Federal Financial Aid using the FAFSA
 NOTE: There is no income requirement to apply; however, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship
Fund Of Metro Orlando (HHSFMO) reserves the right to prioritize scholarships for students
who have a demonstrated financial need
 Be enrolled full or part-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university, or be a
high-school student accepted into an accredited college or university in Central Florida
 Have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.00 scale
 Must sign a Photo/Media Release form
 Must be available to attend the HHSFMO Awards Ceremony (date to be determined)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
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Fill out and complete the scholarship application available at:
www.HispanicHeritageScholarshipFund.org
Provide official sealed college or high school transcripts
Provide letter of acceptance from an accredited college or university
Provide a maximum of two (2) sealed letters of recommendation from an instructor, counselor, or
employer
Provide copy of financial aid award letter and/or SAR (Student Aid Report)
 NOTE: All items must be submitted in one (1) single application packet. An application packet
will not be considered complete unless all of the items listed above are included.
Applications will be considered based on academic achievement, community involvement and the
answers to the original essays. Number of scholarships awarded will be based on funding availability.
Scholarship funds will be credited directly to the student account at a College or University. Scholarship
award must be used for tuition and other associated school costs such as lab fees and/or books.
DEADLINE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
All completed applications must be postmarked or hand delivered before 5:00 p.m., no later than Friday, May
15, 2015 to the following address:
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando
c/o Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
3201 E. Colonial Dr., Suite A-20
Orlando, Florida 32803
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 2
2015-2016 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Personal Information
Legal name ______________________________________________________________________ Gender: M
Last
First
Middle
F
Jr., etc.
Preferred name __________________________________ Former last name (if applicable) _______________________
Mailing
Address__________________________________________________________________________________________
Number and Street
City
Home Phone # (______) _____________________
Area Code
State
Zip/Postal Code
Cell Phone # (______) __________________
Number
Area Code
Number
E-mail address (please provide a primary and secondary e-mail address if applicable)
Email #1 _______________________________________
Email #2 ______________________________________
If you are a past recipient of this scholarship, please indicate the year(s) in which the award was received _____________
Marital Status __________________ Do you have any children? _______ Household Size _______
If you are a dependent, proceed to the below questions, if not, skip to the Education section:
Parent/Guardian (1) Occupation ______________________________Primary Language: _________________
Is Parent Hispanic? _________ Country of Origin: _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (2) Occupation ______________________________Primary Language: _________________
Is Parent Hispanic? _________ Country of Origin: _________________________________________________
Is your family headed by a single parent?
Yes
No
Did any of your parents or guardians graduate from college?
Yes
No
Do you have siblings attending college in 2015-2016?
Yes
No
If yes, how many? _____
Education
College or University you will be attending in 2015-2016 ________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________
Number and Street
City
State
Zip/Postal Code
Date of entry _________________ Expected date of graduation ___________________
Is the university or college:
Public? _________
Private? _________
Major(s) _____________________________________________________________________________________
Minor(s) _____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you plan to live at home, university housing or other? _______________________________________________
Are you interested in a study abroad program? _______________________________________________________
Name of High School ______________________________________________________________________
Weighted GPA _________ Unweighted GPA _________ SAT Scores ___________ ACT Score _________
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 3
Volunteer Activities - List your primary community volunteer work, and/or any school-related leadership
activities in the order of their interest to you. Include major accomplishments such as leadership roles, special
recognitions, etc.
Volunteer Activity
Hours per week
Weeks per year
Extracurricular Activities - List your primary extracurricular activities in the order of their interest to you.
Include specific events and/or major accomplishments such as musical instrument played, varsity sports, etc.
Extracurricular Activity
Hours per week
Weeks per year
Academic Honors - List any scholastic distinctions or honors you have earned throughout your high school
and/or college experience.
Academic Honors
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Year
Page 4
Military - Complete if applicable.
List years and positions served in the United States Armed Forces.
Work Experience - List any jobs you have held throughout high school and/or college (please include any
summer employment and/or internships).
Job Title
Employer
Dates of
employment
Number of
hours worked
per week
Scholarships – List other scholarships you have received or expect to receive in 2015-2016.
Name of Scholarship
Amount
Recommendations
As noted in the Application Requirements, you are required to provide two letters of recommendations from an
instructor, counselor, or employer.
Question and Essays
1. Please answer the following question: In the spirit of how impactful social media is utilized in our
society today, especially Twitter, we ask you to describe in a maximum of 140 characters how this
scholarship will impact your ability to continue your education and why the Scholarship Board should
make a financial investment in you (use the space below for your answer).
2. Complete the following essays: In the space provided on pages 6 and 7 of this application, write a
short essay for each of the questions below. Text must be typed on 11 point Arial font, be 1 ½ spaced,
limited to a single page in length, and must be a minimum of 300 words.
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 5
ESSAY #1: Tell us how your Hispanic/Latino heritage has helped to shape who you are as an
individual today?
ESSAY #2: What impact would this financial award have on your education plans and your
ability to give back to the community?
Application Checklist
Complete scholarship application (including question and essays)
Sealed official college or high school transcripts
Letter of acceptance or attendance to an accredited college or university
Two (2) sealed envelopes with letters of recommendation from instructor, counselor or employer
Copy of financial aid award letter and/or SAR (Student Aid Report)
Additional Information
Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any secondary school or college/university
you have attended, whether related to academic or behavioral misconduct that resulted in your probation,
suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from the institution?
Yes
No
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime?
Yes
No
I have truthfully answered all questions on this application.
Name of Applicant ____________________________________________________
Signature ______________________________________ Date _______________
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 6
USE THIS PAGE FOR YOUR ESSAY #1:
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
Page 7
USE THIS PAGE FOR YOUR ESSAY #2:
2015-2016 HHSFMO Scholarship Application
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