Verified October 12, 2026
Many scholarship lists can be frustrating. You find an opportunity that sounds perfect, click the link, and discover that the deadline passed months ago or that only students in one city can apply. This roundup focuses on scholarships with current information for the 2026–27 application cycle, and are all open now.
Each scholarship on this list is designed for Hispanic or Latino students. Some have additional requirements based on location, college, or field of study. We’ve highlighted those details so you can focus on the opportunities that fit your background and goals.
Scholarship Tips
Check the fit.
Check the official scholarship page to confirm your eligibility, application deadline, and required materials. Being listed in this guide does not guarantee that you qualify or will receive an award.
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino High School Students
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards recognize Latino high-school seniors for their academic achievement, community involvement, and interests in fields such as STEM, entrepreneurship, media, and public service. Recipients receive a one-time innovation grant that can support their college education or a community-service project.
- Award: Up to $4,000
- Deadline: November 1, 2026
- Who can apply: Latino/Hispanic students currently enrolled in high school or homeschool who will graduate in spring 2027, have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA, and plan to enroll in an accredited higher-education institution during 2027–28.
- Application requirements: Online application through the official portal, select a specific award category, upload a high school transcript, provide one letter of recommendation, and complete the required essays. If selected as a regional recipient, you are also required to attend the virtual awards ceremony.
Optimum Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
Optimum’s annual essay contest is open to students in grades 6 through 12 from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The main restriction is location: applicants must attend school or homeschool within an eligible Optimum service area. That makes this a regional opportunity rather than a nationwide contest.
- Award: $3,000 grand prize, with tablets for finalists.
- Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Who can apply: Students in grades 6–12 who attend school or homeschool in an eligible Optimum service area.
- Application requirements: Applicants submit an English-language essay along with student, school, and parent or guardian information.
Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders
The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute offers this scholarship to students who demonstrate leadership, financial need, and a commitment to their communities. Non-U.S. citizens may apply, which makes the program accessible to some students who are excluded from other scholarships because of immigration-status requirements.
- Award: $1,000.
- Deadline: December 30, 2026, at 11 p.m. Central Time.
- Who can apply: Hispanic students from high-school senior through college junior, age 25 or younger, who demonstrate financial need and plan to study full-time in an undergraduate program during 2027–28.
- Application requirements: Two 500–1,000-word essays, optional essay, a résumé, transcript, headshot, and two recommendations.
Rev. Servio R. Moscoso Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports Hispanic and Latinx high-school seniors in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The deadline is later than most opportunities in this roundup, but the application requires several documents and three recommendations, so students should still start early.
- Award: $2,000 or more.
- Deadline: March 26, 2027. The provider does not publicly specify a deadline time.
- Who can apply: Hispanic or Latinx seniors attending high school in NY, NJ, or CT who have a GPA above 2.8, at least 80 documented community-service hours, eligible immigration status, and plans to attend a four-year U.S. college full-time in fall 2027.
- Application requirements: Applicants submit a 600–1,200-word essay, report card, transcript, service-hour documentation, financial-aid information, and three recommendations.
Dubuque Unidos Scholarship
Dubuque Unidos offers this scholarship to Hispanic and Latino seniors living near Dubuque, Iowa. It is highly regional, but that narrower eligibility can be an advantage for students who live in the area and meet the requirements.
- Award: $1,000.
- Deadline: December 31, 2026. The provider does not publicly specify a deadline time.
- Who can apply: Current Hispanic or Latino high-school seniors living within 60 miles of Dubuque who have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan to enter an eligible postsecondary or workforce program during 2027–28.
- Application requirements: A 750–1,000-word essay, transcript, résumé or activity list, and recommendation.
Scholarships for Latino and Hispanic College Students
La Unidad Latina Foundation National Scholarship
La Unidad Latina Foundation focuses on Latino educational advancement, but its live 2026 application does not require applicants to identify as Hispanic or Latino. It is also not open to current high-school students. Applicants must already have completed at least one full-time semester of college.
- Award: Eight national awards of $1,000 each.
- Deadline: October 31, 2026.
- Who can apply: U.S. residents with a cumulative GPA above 2.8 who are enrolled full-time in a qualifying four-year undergraduate or eligible graduate program. Some community-college graduates transferring to a four-year institution may also qualify.
- Application requirements: Applicants submit three essays of up to 250 words, a two-minute introduction video, an unofficial transcript, and a 200–350-word recommendation letter.
Mas Family Scholarship
The Mas Family Scholarship celebrates Cuban heritage and supports students born in Cuba or of direct Cuban descent.
- Award: A single student can win a maximum total of $32,000 from the Mas Family Scholarship. This award is distributed in annual increments of $8,000 per year and can be renewed for up to four years of full-time undergraduate or graduate study.
- Application window: October 15, 2026, through January 31, 2027.
- Who can apply: Students born in Cuba or of direct Cuban descent who have at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA and will attend an accredited college or university full-time during the upcoming academic year. Undergraduate and graduate students may qualify.
- Application requirements: Applicants need proof of Cuban descent, a personal statement of up to 500 words, a separate 1,000-word essay, résumé, transcript, test scores, financial-aid information, and three recommendations.
Ready to Start Applying?
Every scholarship featured in this roundup will also be available in the ScholarTrail app.
You can review the requirements, save the opportunities that fit, and keep track of your applications and deadlines without juggling another spreadsheet or seven open tabs.
Download ScholarTrail and start building your application plan.
