UCLA Co-Hosts Regional Alumni- Mentor Reception to Highlight Mentoring Opportunities
On Tuesday, February 22nd, the UCLA Scholar Chapter co-hosted a regional Alumni Mentor Reception with the LA Chapter of NSHMBA (National Society Hispanic MBA's). The 40+ participants included UCLA and USC Chapter Members and students, NSHMBA Members and HSF Alumni involved with the HSF Alumni Mentor Program. The reception was an informational session and interactive discussion on mentoring, both for the HSF Alumni Mentor Program as well as in the local LA community through programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS). Representatives were in attendance to speak about the BBBS program and volunteer opportunities. Enthusiasm for mentoring rippled through the evening's activities and highlighted the overwhelming commitment HSF constituents have in fulfilling the HSF Alumni Mentor Program's vision: "No One Succeeds Alone."

The University of Texas, Austin Scholar Chapter Learns "Common Cents"
The UT Austin Scholar Chapter hosted a workshop called "Common Cents" on February 15, 2005. The workshop focused on money management specifically for college students. They had a financial counselor from the UT Financial Aid office come and speak to the Chapter about budgeting and strategies to make money last. The speaker proved to be a great facilitator and answered lots of interesting questions spawning an insightful discussion with the group. In the end, all of the students in attendance took away some practical knowledge about dealing with money.

Texas A&M Scholar Chapter Hosts Graduate School Panel
On February 9th, 2005 the Scholar Chapter at Texas A&M hosted a panel of graduate students to answer questions about how to prepare for and what to expect from graduate school. The panelists included a researcher from Cuba, a mathematics student from Mexico, and a computer science Ph.D. student from Guatemala. Each speaker discussed their studies at A&M and answered several questions from the audience. The Chapter also provided GRE supplemental material for those interested.

HSF Scholar Chapter Photo Album

	Scholarship, Fellowship and Internship Opportunities
2005 NALEO Ford Motor Company Fellows Program Each year, college seniors, recent graduates and graduate students are selected to become NALEO Ford Fellows. In 2005, participants will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the NALEO 22nd Annual Conference to take part in three days of intensive professional, leadership and cultural development workshops while learning about local government and advocacy groups. NALEO Ford Fellows will then take part in the NALEO Annual Conference, where they will have the opportunity to interact with Latino appointed and elected officials from across the United States. Following the Annual Conference, NALEO Ford Fellows will begin a five-week placement in the office of a Member of Congress or federal agency in Washington, D.C. (Deadline: March 4, 2005) Amount: Air fare to and from San Juan, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.; Housing accommodations during San Juan, Puerto and Washington, D.C., stay; $1,500 stipend. Eligibility: Be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of Latino origin; Be residents of (but need not attend college in) the following states or regions: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Texas or Puerto Rico (additional participants are selected from a national pool of applicants); Be rising seniors, graduate students or recent graduates; Submit a completed application form, personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation, two work references, transcripts, 2 x 3 photograph; Must be 21 years of age by June 20, 2005. The Migrant Business Leaders Program The Migrant Business Leaders Program (MBL) is looking for students with a migrant background who will apply to begin business school in the 2006-2007 school year. MBL will provide intensive mentoring resources to get students prepared for grueling admissions process at a prestigious MBA program. The mentoring sessions will aim to be equivalent to those sessions received by wealthy and resourceful MBA candidates who often pay top dollar for professional assistance during the MBA admissions process. The mentoring will include assisting with financial planning, GMAT test preparation, and business school applications. (Deadline: Ongoing) Amount: Limited number of $1,000 scholarships available, but not necessary for acceptance or participation in program. Eligibility: There is no set criteria for acceptance into the program. When determining eligibility of a candidate the staff of the Migrant MBA Project will take into consideration the following characteristics: Personal connection to farmworking community; Academic skills demonstrated by college GPA and GMAT Score; Leadership abilities & potential; Community service goals, specifically within the farmworking community. The number of students chosen each year will vary upon available resources and qualified candidates. The initial pilot will consist of mentors from top business schools that will work with student one-on-one for approximately 50 hours to increase the chance of admission. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's International Internship Program The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's International Internship Program has a paid internship program and is in need of applicants. As of this week, the program has only received 3 applications nationwide. DUE TO THIS LOW NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH 15TH. The Foreign Agricultural Service's International Internship Program provides college students the opportunity to live and work in a paid internship at an American Embassy overseas. Through work assignments participants learn various aspects of international trade, trade policy, international relations, diplomacy, regional and cultural considerations, etc. Positions are available in Western Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The internship is offered every semester and summer for graduate students and upperclass students (juniors and seniors). (Deadline: March 15, 2005) Amount: Interns usually serve for one semester or quarter during the academic year, or for a maximum of 16 weeks. They are expected to work a 40- hour week. They receive a personal services contract at the GS-4 through GS-7 grade level; based on education, work experience, and availability of funds. Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate student (must be a junior or a senior), a U.S. citizen and in good academic standing. Graduate level students in business, international relations, regional studies (i.e. Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, etc), public policy, foreign languages, etc., as well as high-achieving junior and senior undergraduates in similar majors are particularly encouraged to apply, though the program is open to all majors. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students This scholarship seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience. Organized by the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund, a part of the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. (Deadline: March 15, 2005) Amount: A scholarship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational level, financial need, and time commitment. Eligibility: Available to undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic record, analytical abilities, background in social sciences/humanities, and demonstrated financial need. The intern must be able to intern for 10-12 weeks full- time during the summer at the Washington D.C. office of The Aspen Institute. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student. 2005-2006 Environmental Management Scholarship Since 1990 the Department of Energy and, more specifically, the Office of Environmental Management, has invested in the talents of promising Latino students through the Environmental Management Scholarship. The Environmental Management Scholarship is a special program supported by the Department of Energy and offered in partnership with the HSF Institute. (Deadline: March 15, 2005) Amount: $3,000 Eligibility: Eligible students must be pursuing academic majors and/or certificate programs pertinent to DOE's goal of environmental restoration and waste management. Eligible academic majors include, but are not limited to: Engineering: Agricultural, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Nuclear, and Petroleum. Sciences: Applied Math/Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology, Environmental, Epidemiology, Geology, Health Physics, Hydrology, Radiochemistry, Radio-ecology, and Toxicology Business: Management and System Analyst Florida State University College of Law Summer for Undergraduates Program For the past thirteen years, the FSU College of Law has sponsored a special summer program that is designed for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in learning more about law school and the legal profession. The Summer for Undergraduates Program offers substantive classes taught by College of Law professors, law school admissions sessions including LSAT preparation, and guest lectures and presentations about the variety of careers available in the legal field. Sixty students will be accepted to participate in an intensive 4-week program, and upon completion, participants will have a good sense of what law school is like. Participants may also learn how to better prepare for law school during their remaining years in college. (Deadline: March 25, 2005) Amount: Program will take place from May 23 through June 17, 2005. No tuition is charged for this program. Florida State University College of Law pays for room and board in residence hall accommodations and pays a $500 stipend to each participant. Eligibility: Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession are particularly welcome. Because one purpose of the program is to help students direct their remaining time in college to best prepare for law school, freshmen and sophomores are strongly encouraged to apply. The program is open to students in all majors. Paid Teaching Internships with Breakthrough Collaborative Breakthrough offers hundreds of paid internships nationwide and in Hong Kong for college students to teach high-achieving, middle school students from low- income, underserved urban schools. Breakthrough is a collaborative of programs that increases educational opportunity for motivated middle school students and encourages talented college students to pursue careers in education. Full-time, paid internship positions are offered every summer for undergraduate students to teach middle schoolers over the summer. This is not a TA position-you will be responsible for teaching, lesson planning and developing your own curriculum under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers and directors. Eight week commitment during the summer, dates vary depending on site. Visit the online site roster for complete details or contact Rhea Wong at rwong@breakthroughcollaborative.org or call 415-442- 0600 ext 105. (Deadline: March 28, 2005) Amount: $750 per summer, additional funding available based on financial need. If you are accepted as a homestay teacher, room and board is free for the summer. Eligibility: Freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior college student currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program with less than 5 years full time professional experience. Positions are only available to US citizens or foreign students who have a visa to work in the US. Institute for Recruitment of Teachers The mission of the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) is to deepen the pool of talented minorities entering the teaching profession in our country. The IRT selects outstanding college students and graduates from diverse backgrounds with a demonstrated commitment to eradicating racial disparities, who will pursue advanced degrees for teaching careers in K-12 schools and colleges and universities. The institute aims to reduce over time the critical underrepresentation on the faculties of certain minority groups, as well as to address the attendant educational consequences of these disparities. Providing positive role models to youth, the institute serves the related goals of supporting school and campus environments. Since 1990, the program's staff and faculty have provided students with extensive counseling and individual support to attain advanced degrees. Alumni have had remarkable success gaining entry to many of our country's top graduate programs, earning master's and doctoral degrees, and securing jobs as K-12 and college teachers, professors, counselors, and administrators. (Deadline: April 1, 2005) Amount: IRT students receive many benefits as they prepare their graduate school applications. Specifically, the director and IRT staff will: counsel as to which graduate programs within the consortium are appropriate for the candidate's academic background and goals, selecting at least ten provide paper applications duplicate supporting materials provided by the candidate and send the completed application package to his or her selected consortium schools assist with fine-tuning Statements of Purpose advocate for each student's admission to consortium graduate schools endorse each student's candidacy for fellowships and assistantships Eligibility: Applicants must be of African- American, Latino/a or Native American background; Seriously considering a career in education at the elementary, high school or university level; GPA of 3.2 or higher; Committed to beginning graduate school in the fall following graduation; Applicants in psychology and sociology must have a GPA of 3.2 or better, have taken appropriate coursework and have significant field and/or research experience; Agree to take the Graduate Record Examination. Contact Chera Reid, Coordinator of Admissions at (978)749-4116 or irt@andover.edu for more information Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Scholarship Program This premier scholarship opportunity is afforded to Latino/a students who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who plan to continue contributing in the future. There is no GPA or major requirement. Students with excellent leadership potential are encouraged to apply. (Deadline: April 15, 2005) Amount: Scholarships of $2,500 to attend a four-year or graduate-level academic institution. Eligibility: History of consistent active participation in public service-oriented activities; acceptance into an accredited four-year university, or a graduate/professional program; applicants must be enrolled as full-time students; demonstrated financial need; good writing skills; U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. "Justicia en Diversidad" Scholarship & Mentorship Program The Foundation's goal in establishing this program is to promote diversity within the legal field. In addition to receiving a cash gift of $1500, scholarship finalists will be paired with a Harvard Law student or Harvard Law graduate mentor of Latino heritage who can address questions and concerns that may arise as the student progresses through his or her educational endeavors. Applicants must, therefore, show a strong interest in pursuing a career in law. (Deadline: April 15, 2005) Amount: $1500 Eligibility: Applicants must be of Latino heritage, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and attend an accredited two or four-year U.S. college on a full-time basis during the 2004-2005 academic year. HSF/Little Village Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Scholarship Program The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) in conjunction with the Little Village Chamber of Commerce in Chicago is providing scholarships for entering and continuing undergraduate and graduate students from the Little Village Community. (Deadline: April 15, 2005) Amount: $2,500 Eligibility: Be of Hispanic heritage; Be a graduating high school senior, or an undergraduate/ graduate student having completed at least 12 undergraduate units or credits; Be enrolled full- time in a degree-seeking program at a four-year U.S. accredited college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands for the upcoming academic year (enrollment is verified in the Fall); Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (high school seniors) or 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (undergraduate/graduate); Be residing in the following Chicago, Illinois, zip codes: 60608, 60609, 60623, 60629, 60632, 60652. HSF/Citigroup Fellows Program HSF/Citigroup Fellows will also be paired with a Citigroup employee who will serve as a professional mentor and offer career guidance. HSF/Citigroup Fellows will be invited to attend a professional development conference in the fall of both their junior and senior years. The conferences are fully funded by the Citigroup Foundation and will take place in different locations throughout the United States. (Deadline: April 15, 2005) Amount: The HSF/Citigroup Fellows Award is a two-year award. Selected students will receive $5,000 for each of their junior and senior years for a total award of $10,000. Awards will be disbursed in two disbursements -fall and spring- of $2,500 during the academic year upon receipt of enrollment verification, and provided the student maintains the standards of academic progress as defined by HSF. Eligibility: Be of Hispanic heritage; Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551 (not expired); Be a current sophomore enrolled full-time at a four-year accredited college or university in the United States - selected students must be enrolled as juniors during the following academic year; Be pursuing a degree in Business, Business Administration, Economics or Finance; Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent); Must reside or attend college in one of the following city locations: New York City metropolitan area; Miami/Fort Lauderdale area; Tampa, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco Bay Area, California OR Must attend one of the following colleges or universities: Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, Stanford University, University of California - Los Angeles, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, University of Texas at Austin, or Yale University. Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) List of Scholarships for ALL Students (Regardless of Immigration Status) This list of scholarships covers a variety of interest areas and student populations. They do not require a social security number, legal residency, or citizenship in order to apply. As a general rule, if an application asks for your social security number and you do not have one yet, leave that space blank but still fill out and turn in the application. Contact each scholarship provider for applications and details about updated requirements and deadlines. (Note: You must have Acrobat Reader on your computer to download the list) ASPIRA's Searchable Database Check out the the left side menu on this website to access this search engine for a wealth of information about scholarships, fellowships, internships and financial aid at no cost to the user. Be sure to stay up-to-date on upcoming HSF Scholarships by visiting the HSF website.

	Leadership In Focus: Pursuing Graduate School
Deciding to go to graduate school may be a difficult and overwhelming decision for any student. However, having the advice and mentorship of faculty is extremely important. After I decided to change my major from biology to psychology, I began to establish a closer relationship with faculty in the psychology department, particularly with Dr. Luis Vega and Dr. Isabel Sumaya. I wanted to get involved, but I had no idea where to start. I was extremely interested in research, but my knowledge was very limited. I had taken statistics, but not research methods. Seeing my extreme desire to learn, Dr. Vega encouraged me to participate in the annual CSUB research competition and offered to help me along the way. I was uncomfortable accepting his proposal, but I was willing to try. Once the day of the competition arrived, I gave an oral presentation about my research in front of a panel of judges. To my surprise, I received third place and went to the state finals in Northridge! This event was one of my motivations to attend graduate school. Being a student coordinator for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund also influenced my decision. I began to network with professionals and coordinators of different programs on campus. Faculty and staff were amazed with the success of our Scholar Chapter. Consequently, I was encouraged by some faculty to apply to the McNair Program and I was accepted in the winter of my junior year. As a McNair student, I attended multiple workshops that provide information about graduate school, financial aid for graduate school, and preparing for the GRE. The McNair Program provided funding for one of my latest research project on homosexuality and friendships. Since I am planning to apply to the doctoral program for social psychology at the University of Texas, El Paso, Dr. Sumaya and I decided to visit the campus for a couple of days. Thankfully, our trip was sponsored by the McNair Program. Having the opportunity to visit a graduate school and meeting the faculty enhanced my desire to attend UTEP. It allowed me to realize the importance of networking with faculty and staff and allowing them to know who I am and what my aspirations are. Having the opportunity to establish those relationships with other faculty from UTEP gave me more security and a sense of relief. Dr. Sumaya was extremely helpful as well. Since she was a former graduate from UTEP, she was able to share her personal experience and provide additional information. Because of my experience and motivation, I now plan to attend UTEP in the fall of 2006 and begin my life as a graduate student. Antonia Mejia is currently a senior at California State University, Bakersfield, majoring in Psychology. She has served as the CSUB Scholar Chapter Coordinator for the past two years, playing a major role in launching the Scholar Chapter on-campus for HSF.

	Alumni Spotlight: Ambassador Antonio Garza, Jr.
Ambassador Antonio Garza, Jr., U.S. ambassador to Mexico (Honorary HSF Scholar), is awarded as Inspirador, for personifying the hard work and sacrifice made by Latino families in pursuit of a college education. Ambassador Garza grew up in the border town of Brownsville, Texas, the son of forward thinking Latino parents who encouraged and supported his pursuit of a higher education. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and went on to further his education at Southern Methodist University Law School. In 1994, he became the first Hispanic Republican to hold statewide office in Texas when then Gov. George W. Bush appointed him Secretary of State and Senior Advisor to the Governor. Ambassador Garza was confirmed on Nov. 12, 2002, and sworn in on Nov. 18, 2002. HSF Alumni Hall of Fame »

	Education Issues in the News
House Clears Illegal Aliens for College Aid (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2/24/05) "The Arkansas House of Representatives voted 63-31 to pass a bill that would allow illegal aliens who graduate from Arkansas high schools to qualify for in- state tuition rates and taxpayer-funded state scholarships at state universities. "We have allowed these kids to dream," said Rep. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, in support of her House Bill 1525. "We have put them in our schools, we have urged them to dream, and then we cut them off the moment they get out of high school." Bipartisan Study Assails No Child Left Behind Act (New York Times, 2/23/05) "A bipartisan panel of state lawmakers that studied the effectiveness of President Bush's No Child Left Behind initiative assailed it today as a flawed, convoluted and unconstitutional education reform effort that had usurped state and local control of public schools." Is Upward Bound Headed for a Fall? (The Los Angeles Times, 2/21/05) "Camarillo High School senior Jonah Monte-Alegre scoffs at the suggestion that Upward Bound isn't pulling its weight. Although the federal initiative has been branded ineffective and targeted for elimination by the Bush administration, Monte-Alegre, 17, said the value of the college prep program could be gauged by its succes." Under- Representation of Latino Students in Colleges and Universities Topic of Discussion at State-wide Conference (La Prensa San Diego, 2/18/05) First time leaders meet in more than a decade; focused on the call for restructure of the Master Plan for Education "The conference marked the first time in almost a decade that state, congressional, and education leaders, as well as students, meet in one place to discuss the problems facing the disproportionate rate of Latino student enrollment in institutions of higher learning. The goal is to chart the political, policy, and collective action required in the next decade to provide educational parity for the community."

	Contact Information
Student Coordinators California State University, Bakersfield amejia3@runner.csub.edu California State University, Fresno ccano@csufresno.edu California State University, Fullerton titanbaby84@yahoo.com Columbia University pag2014@columbia.edu Harvard University rflores@fas.harvard.edu or cvelazq@fas.harvard.edu New York University rt502@nyu.edu Stanford University ph7@stanford.edu Texas A&M University nescaname@tamu.edu University of Arizona alv1@email.arizona.edu University of California, Berkeley rleal@berkeley.edu University of California, Los Angeles vmlopez@ucla.edu University of California, San Diego hsfucsd@yahoo.com University of Chicago nallely@uchicago.edu University of Florida cma02@ufl.edu University of Miami Riddle555@aol.com University of New Mexico rjrvelazquez@juno.com University of Southern California cesargon@usc.edu University of Texas, Austin Cindy.Lone@bba01.mccombs.utexas.edu University of Washington carbajal@u.washington.edu Yale University jorge.solis@yale.edu The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Its mission is to double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees to 18 percent by 2010. The HSF Scholar Chapter Network is committed to helping students achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to all the communities they touch. HSF Scholar Chapters promote academic success and professional preparation among Latinos by engaging students in academic, leadership, and professional opportunities. Scholar Chapters are open to all students on campus and are geared toward the needs of Latino/a students. Learn More About Community & Scholar Relations at HSF »

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