Hispano Fest Leadership Scholarship
We are proud to support local students taking the next step toward college, university, or trade school. Review the criteria below, download the application, and submit a complete package by the deadline.
Scholarship Award Amounts
Awards are distributed in two equal installments after an official transcript is submitted each semester.
12–16 credit hours at a four-year institution
6–11 credit hours at a four-year institution
12–16 credit hours at a two-year college or trade school
6–11 credit hours at a two-year college or trade school
Who Can Apply
- Enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a four-year or two-year U.S. institution, with verifiable financial need
- One parent must be of Hispanic ancestry
- Available to attend all three days of HispanoFest: September 11, 12, and 13, 2026
- Live in one of the following communities: Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, River Grove, Schiller Park, Stone Park, or Westchester
- Be a high school graduate, community college student, or university student
- Maintain a 3.00 GPA across two semesters or the full year to receive the second installment
Important Notes
- Internet-only classes do not qualify.
- Students graduating early or taking only half a semester do not qualify.
- Recipients must maintain a 3.00 GPA to receive the second payment.
- All recipients are honored at the festival on Sunday at 6:00 pm and must attend all three days.
- Recipients must bring two volunteers to help during the festival.
What You Must Submit
An application will not be considered until every item below has been received.
Cover page
Full legal name, home address, phone, Social Security/ITIN or student ID, college contact, college name and address, classification, major, ancestry, and tuition balance.
Heritage essay
400–600 words describing your family origin and educational background.
Leadership essay
600–900 words (2–4 pages) answering: What is leadership in the Hispanic community? What leadership contribution can or will you provide? How can future candidates be influenced to become leaders?
Transcripts
High school or college transcript verifying eligibility and GPA.
Letters of recommendation
Two letters from non-family members such as a teacher, counselor, employer, pastor, professor, advisor, or coach.
Resume
One-page resume of work experience, academic accomplishments, and relevant activities.
Photograph
Recent head-shot photograph.
Parent W-2 form
Submit parent or guardian 2025 W-2 form.
Essay Formatting Rules
- Typed with 1-inch margins and double-spaced
- Minimum 2 pages, up to 3 pages in length
- Do not state the applicant's name in the body of the essay
- Must be 17 years of age or older
Confidential Review
All information provided is confidential and will be reviewed by the Hispano Fest Scholarship Committee. Awardees will be notified by phone, email, or mail. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution. By signing the application, you agree that all information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
What You Will Need
Gather the information below before you start. The application asks for details about you, your school, your work history, and your family.
Application Information
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Full name (first, middle, last)
- Social Security or ITIN number
- Home address, apartment number, city, state, and zip code
- Home and cell phone numbers
High School Information
- Last school attended with full address
- Anticipated graduation date
- Current cumulative GPA
- Major or intended field of study
- Credit hours already registered (if applicable)
College, University, or Trade School
- School name and full address
- School phone, website, and contact person
- Tuition balance
- School email address
- Registered for the 2026/2027 school year
- Anticipated graduation date, cumulative GPA, major, and credit hours
Academics & Activities
- Academic awards and honors
- Clubs, organizations, and community activities
- Offices held or leadership roles
Work History
- Last three employers, starting with the most recent
- Employer address and phone number
- Supervisor name
- Employment start and end dates
Family Information
- Family income
- Number of family members
- Number of family members attending college or university this year
- Household size, head of household, and household income
- Names and relationships of household members
Submit Your Completed Application
Print and fill out the downloaded application. Make sure every section is complete and signed before submitting it to the committee by email, fax, mail, or in person.
Download ApplicationApplication Deadline
Postmarked or dropped off by August 11, 2026
Packages must include all listed requirements. Incomplete packages will not be considered.
Send or Drop Off
Hispano Fest, Inc.
Attn: Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 1902
Melrose Park, IL 60161
Squires Florist, Inc.
1904 W. Lake St.
Melrose Park, IL 60160
Stop by in person
Questions?
Contact Irene Herrera for help with your application or to check on the status of a submitted form.