It is extremely difficult, as an educator, to see students not reaching their full academic potential due to a lack of finances. Unfortunately, this is the case for many Latino students who forego attending college due to the financial burden that it will place on their families. It is simply heartbreaking to see young and talented Latinos deferring their dreams and goals due to financial limitations.
From as far back as I could remember, I knew that I wanted to go to college to become a teacher. In Latin culture, family is very important and children often spend a lot of quality time with extended family members such as cousins and aunts and uncles. In my family, I spent a lot of time with my Aunt Maria. She was a Special Education teacher for many years and would take me to her school to visit her classroom whenever I had a day off from school.
As a result, I got to see how much of an impact a teacher has on the lives of her students. It made me realize that this was the career path that I wanted to follow. However, my parents could not afford to put me through college so I had to depend on scholarships and financial aid to help me pay my tuition and my other college related expenses. That was not even enough to cover everything and I had to supplement these monies with some additional student loans.
The Coca-Cola Company has always understood the importance of education in the lives of Latino students. They have maintained a relationship with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for more than 30 years and pledged to support them in reaching their goal of having a college degree in every Latino household by the year 2025. Together, they hope to motivate everyone to get involved in order to help make a difference.
Currently, the Uncap Their Future Scholarship program by Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund is awarding $300,000 in college scholarships for Latinos. Students 16 years of age or older may qualify and can submit an application before October 31st.
From now until October 31st, students can apply for a scholarship by filling out an HSF Application. They will be prompted to answer three thought-provoking essay questions. These questions will be centered around how their heritage affects their career goals, the importance of education in their lives and their community service experiences.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the financial assistance that was available to me to help me reach for my goals. Like the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, I also believe that all of us in this country prosper if we are all given access to the opportunities that a college education can provide us with. Don’t miss your opportunity and apply now!
Disclosure: This compensated post was written as part of a blogging program through Coca-Cola and Latina Bloggers Connect. Any statements made in this post are the author’s honest opinions. I only recommend products or services I use personally and I believe will be “family friendly.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
© 2012, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
I didn’t know you were a teacher? Yes, it is difficult to see a student with a bright future not able to fufill their dreams. And thanks to Coca-Cola and the HSF they are closer to ske their dream come true.
Hi, Yadira. Yes, I have been a NYC public school teacher for over twelve years. It is so great that companies like Coca-Cola and organizations like HSF are helping young Latinos to realize their dreams.