McDonald's HACER National Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by McDonalds

What is the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship? This is a national scholarship program designed to increase college access for Hispanic and Latino students. Since it began, the program has awarded more than $33 million to students across the country. Each year it recognizes up to 30 outstanding students and provides awards intended to help close the gap in higher-education opportunity for Hispanic and Latino communities. Award amounts and tiers The program uses three funding tiers to support recipients: - Tier 1: awards up to $100,000 - Tier 2: awards of $20,000 or $10,000 - Tier 3: awards of $5,000 How winners are chosen Recipients are selected by considering multiple factors: - Academic achievement (grades, rigor of coursework) - Financial need - Community involvement and service - Personal statement (your story and goals) - Personal qualities and strengths demonstrated in an interview (in-person or by phone) Required materials (what you must submit) Note: you do not need to write a separate essay beyond the personal statement. The required application materials are: - High school transcript - Personal statement - One letter of recommendation (submitted online) - A list of community service projects you’ve participated in FAFSA note: you no longer need to provide the FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) with the initial application. However, if you become a semi-finalist you will be required to submit your FAFSA Submission Summary. To avoid delays, complete the FAFSA as soon as you can. Eligibility checklist You appear eligible if you meet all of the following: - You are a high school senior - You are a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or a DACA recipient (Dreamer) - You are under 21 years old - You have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 - You plan to enroll full time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school the academic year after selection - You will disclose other scholarships you have applied for - You have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage Practical tips from a teacher - Gather transcripts and your recommendation early—these often take time to request. - Keep a clear list of your community service with dates, roles, and hours. - Write a focused personal statement that explains your goals, challenges, and how the scholarship will help you succeed. - Complete the FAFSA right away so you’ll be ready to provide the required FAFSA Submission Summary if you advance to semi-finalist status. If you want, I can help you draft or edit your personal statement, organize your community service list, or plan questions for your recommendation writer.