For DonorsFor Applicants

Hispanic Climb to Success Scholarship

Funded by
$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Open
Application Deadline
May 18, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 18, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Financial Background:
Low-income
Race/Ethnicity:
Hispanic/Latinx
State:
New York

Receiving an education is often the best way to climb out of poverty and achieve a better life.

However, with college now costing an average of $35,551 per year, it’s difficult or even impossible for many low-income students to afford higher education and unlock the future of their dreams without becoming buried in debt.

This scholarship aims to support low-income Hispanic students so they have the resources necessary to afford college.

Any low-income Hispanic or Latinx high school senior in New York may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your educational goals and why you should win this scholarship.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published June 18, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about your educational goals and why you should receive this scholarship.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Jasminda Madrid
Williamsburg Charter High SchoolQueens, NY
Jonael Lantigua
Laboratory School of Finance and Technology Middle School/High School 223The Bronx, NY
I am a motivated individual who has set high goals for my future, and I believe that I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, with the ultimate goal of becoming an FBI Special Agent. This scholarship would greatly aid me in reaching this goal and help me overcome the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the idea of serving my country and helping to make a difference in my community. This curiosity led me to explore careers in law enforcement, and I soon discovered my passion for the FBI. I have since dedicated myself to reaching this goal, and I am confident that with hard work and determination, I will succeed. My educational goals are to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and then go on to complete the necessary training and education required to become an FBI Special Agent. This is a challenging career path, but I am eager to face these challenges and prove to myself and others that I have what it takes to succeed. I am also aware that being bilingual will be an asset in this line of work, and I am actively working to improve my Spanish language skills. One of the biggest challenges I face in reaching my goals is the cost of higher education. I come from a low-income family, and paying for college has been a struggle. The Hispanic Climb to Success Scholarship would provide much-needed financial support and help to ease the burden of tuition and other expenses. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and not worry about how I will pay for my education. Aside from my educational goals, I am also actively involved in my community. I volunteer at local schools, mentoring students and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. I also volunteer at a local homeless shelter, helping to provide meals and other necessities to those in need. I believe that giving back to my community is an important part of my journey and helps to create a positive impact in the lives of others. In conclusion, I believe that I am a deserving candidate for the Hispanic Climb to Success Scholarship. My commitment to education, my dedication to serving my community, and my passion for law enforcement make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship would greatly aid me in reaching my goal of becoming an FBI Special Agent and make a difference in my life and the lives of those around me. Thank you for considering my application.
Aiden Sarrazin
Brentwood High SchoolBay Shore, NY
Growing up I was in a Dominican household where the cheers of bingo and the smell of rice and beans would permeate your mind. I was always told that I had immense potential but never knew what field to apply it to. One day when we all were dealing with masks my teacher clammered taking research to the point where I decided to. That one choice changed my life forever because it gave me a purpose. I went from not knowing to wanting to pursue a career in the STEM field. Writing papers, citing sources, and doing results in excel files helped find what I want to do. My goal is to be a neurologist and help the people who need it most. I have met so many people who suffer problems mentally but people “never get it”. I want to make their grievances heard and know that they have a voice. The research I would be able to conduct comes back to comfort. Whether it is hearing “BINGO” on a Sunday night or being in your room while that occurs, everyone has their own version of comfort. However I want people to have comfort with whatever they struggle with mentally. This is alongside the fact that I want people younger than me to see someone who looks like them be in a situation where you spend thousands of hours of hard work and that it can pay off. My goal will take time but the desire to help someone, the euphoria of seeing a smile after doing a significant amount of effort motivates me exponentially to reach my goal. Most people see a student from Brentwood High School and believe they can not make it, they want their communities to “Not be a Brentwood” and I want to change that. I want to show that someone from a predominantly Latino school district, a place where every store you go to someone speaks Spanish can produce someone special. With the money received from this scholarship my goals will be significantly closer to achieve because my family is not rich. My mom had to stop her goals of college in order to raise me which led to a change in my life where I could not always get everything. The sacrifices she made for me I want to pay back with my work to the point where she has a house in her name thanks to work that I accomplished. Everyone has a “why” behind what they do which is a phrase Dr. Rebecca Grella PhD told me. My way is to help and with this scholarship I would be able to achieve my goal thank you to whoever is on the receiving end of this essay for trying to help out people like me. Saying it means the world would be underselling the work here that is being done.
Johnna Rodriguez
East Rockaway Junior-Senior High SchoolEast Rockaway, NY

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 18, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jun 18, 2025.