*Determine your Eligibility
To be eligible for the HCF/Sallie Mae First in My Family scholarship, students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the United States and have a Hispanic background. Additionally, eligible students must be an undergraduate student for the upcoming school year in either Puerto Rico or the United States and must be studying in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
In addition to the residency requirements, students applying for the First in My Family scholarship must be the first of their family attending college, must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and must have financial need.
*Send in Necessary Documents by the Deadline
All students applying for the First in My Family Sallie Mae/HCF scholarship must send in an official transcript, proof of family income, and citizenship status by mail. They must also submit the following documents/forms on line: an essay (see Hispanic College Fund website for specific guidelines for the calendar year), a resume, and a letter of recommendation from a mentor or teacher.
Most application requirements are due in mid-April for students attending an undergraduate college year in the fall of that calendar year.
*Wait for Winner Announcements
After applying for the scholarship, semi-finalists will be notified and must also submit financial aid verification on-line. Scholarships in the amounts of $500-$5,000 are awarded yearly.
For specific requirements and deadlines, visit the Hispanic College Fund website to check for details in the academic year prior to the academic year for which you are applying.