Dr Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by United States Hispanic Leadership Institute

Overview — why this matters
Since 1994, USHLI has invested more than $1.625 million in scholarships and internships for students from underserved communities. The Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders honors students who demonstrate servant leadership in the spirit of Dr. Andrade. If you are Hispanic (or have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry) and committed to serving your community, this is a strong opportunity to apply.

Who is eligible
- Be enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. or U.S. territories for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. This includes:
- high school seniors entering college,
- college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors,
- applicants up to age 25.
- Show verifiable financial need.
- Have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry.
- Non-U.S. citizens are eligible (including DACA and undocumented students).

Award
- One-time, non-renewable scholarship:
- $1,000 for students enrolled in a four-year institution
- $500 for students enrolled in a two-year community college

What you must submit
1) Essays (required)
- Personal Background (500–1,000 words): Describe your family (parents/guardians, siblings), life and work experiences that shaped you, and your most significant achievement. If you faced obstacles, explain how you overcame them.
- Leadership Essay (500–1,000 words): Discuss the future of Latinos/Hispanics in America, the kind of leadership needed, the role you hope to play, and how that leadership benefits your community. Explain what USHLI can do to help you reach your goals.
- Optional Essay: Any additional information you feel is important for the selection committee.

2) Required documents
- Portrait photo: Recent, high-resolution color headshot (2.5 x 3.5 ratio; PNG, JPG, or GIF). Suitable for printed announcements — no selfies.
- Resume: One page, PDF. Include work experience, academic achievements, extracurriculars, community service.
- Transcript: Most recent unofficial transcript uploaded as a PDF. College freshmen should submit their high school transcript.

3) Letters of recommendation
- Two letters total:
- One academic (teacher, advisor, professor, etc.)
- One professional or community-service reference (employer, supervisor, coach, mentor, etc.)
- Letters should speak to your leadership, academic performance, and commitment to community service.
- You will enter your references’ contact information in the application. After you submit, your references will receive instructions by email.
- All letters of recommendation are due December 30, 2025.

Quick tips from a teacher
- Start early. Give your recommenders at least two weeks (preferably more) and remind them of the Dec 30 deadline.
- Be specific and concrete in your essays: use examples, name projects or roles, and show measurable impact when possible.
- Proofread the essays and the resume. Ask a teacher or counselor to read them with you.
- Use a professional headshot — a plain background, good lighting, and a natural expression work best.
- Keep copies of every file you upload (PDFs are safest).

If you want, I can help:
- Review or edit your essays (send drafts).
- Look over your resume or suggest phrasing for your recommenders.
- Check that your photo and files meet the listed requirements.