Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who can apply/Do I qualify for the award?

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

   1. A graduating high school senior
   2. Planning to enroll in college in the fall
   3. A citizen or permanent resident of the US
   4. Of Hispanic/Latino descent (at least one parent)
   5. Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
   6. Willing to travel to the awards ceremony in your selected region

2. What are the 12 youth award regions?

   Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, San Diego, Northern California, Miami, Houston, Philadelphia/New Jersey

3. What are the categories?

   Business, Education, Engineering and Mathematics, Journalism, Leadership, Sports and Academic Excellence

4. Can I apply for more than one category?

   YES, we encourage it.

5. What do award winners receive?

   • GOLD MEDALLION: $3,000 educational grant
   • SILVER MEDALLION: $2,000 educational grant
   • BRONZE MEDALLION: $1,000 educational grant
   • NATIONAL HHYA RECIPIENTS RECEIVE an additional $5,000 educational grant and a laptop computer

6. When are award recipients selected?

   May though the end of June- If you're selected as a regional youth award recipient you will receive a phone call and an e-mail from a member of the Youth Awards team.

7. What if I'm Portuguese or Brazilian do I qualify?

   YES

8. Can I apply if I'm getting my GED?

   YES

9. 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.

10. 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 a 3.0.

11. 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.

12. How do I put together my application package?

    See Mailing Instructions

13. Can I submit an un-official transcript?

    YES. Un-official transcripts are fine.

14. Where do I mail my application?

    Hispanic Heritage Foundation
    Your YA ID #
    2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 406
    Washington, DC.20037

15. What other educational grants can help me advance my education?

    Visit our website for more scholarship and educational grant information

16. Can I apply to more than one region?

    NO.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Is this a one time grant?

    YES

20. 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.

21. How do we find out if we are chosen to receive a grant?

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

22. Where are the events?

    Please click here to find out event locations.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.