Alcanzando Un Sueño Scholarship

Alcanzando Un Sueño Scholarship: Supporting Latino High School Seniors

By in Education

Every year, the Alcanzando Un Sueño Scholarship offers financial support to Hispanic high school seniors in Atlanta and Phoenix as they prepare to begin college. Since its launch in 2013, the program has awarded over a quarter-million dollars in tuition assistance—helping students bridge the gap to higher education and achieve their academic goals.

Purpose and History

The scholarship exists to motivate Latino youth to pursue college. By easing the financial burden for their first year, the program aims to support students during a pivotal transition in their educational journey.

Applicants with Hispanic/Latino backgrounds gain access to funds and recognition for their achievements and aspirations.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Alcanzando Un Sueño Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a rising high school senior in Atlanta or Phoenix
  • Be of Hispanic or Latino heritage (excluding certain countries like Belize, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana)
  • Demonstrate bilingual ability in English and Spanish
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Submit the completed online application and required documents by the deadline

The scholarship strongly encourages applicants with involvement in their school and community and a clear vision for their higher education.

What to Submit

Applicants must provide:

  • A resume or CV showcasing extracurricular and work experiences
  • Two letters of recommendation, one from a school faculty member
  • A letter of acceptance to an accredited college, university, or technical school
  • A recent headshot (individual picture, no group photos)
  • A complete and legible scholarship application

Most importantly, students must ensure all materials arrive by May 1st—either submitted online by midnight or physically mailed to the firm’s office.

Additionally, winners are required to attend an annual awards dinner where they are honored alongside community leaders and supporters.

Selection and Awards

Each year, recipients are chosen based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Community involvement, leadership, and athletic achievements
  • Their aspirations to pursue higher education

Typically, several students from both Atlanta and Phoenix receive awards. The selection process includes:

  1. Reviewing all eligible and complete applications
  2. Choosing winners by late spring
  3. Notifying recipients and inviting them to the awards dinner

This ceremony celebrates academic success and provides a moment of community recognition.

Obligations of Scholarship Recipients

To maintain their award, recipients must:

  • Have their parent or guardian sign necessary releases (if they are minors)
  • Submit acceptance confirmation from their higher education institution
  • Attend the awards event and participate in the firm’s promotional activities
  • Claim the scholarship within one year of high school graduation

Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in forfeiture of the award.

Why It Matters

This scholarship has a meaningful impact:

  • Offers financial support to first-generation Latino students
  • Encourages academic and extracurricular growth
  • Builds community ties through recognition and celebration
  • Helps lighten the financial burden during a critical educational stage

Parents, teachers, or counselors can also support by nominating students and helping them gather required materials.