To report technical problems with the electronic application, please email webmaster@esperanzafund.org.
Scholarship recipients will be selected based on qualities traditionally valued and demonstrated by the immigrant community: hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance in the face of adversity, academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to one’s community. A committee drawn from the local community will review applications and select a group of finalists for interviews.
| March 31 | Application materials due |
| May 1 | Finalists notified |
| May 7-8, 14-15 | Interviews |
| May 16 | Scholarship recipients notified |
The Esperanza Education Fund will award $5,000 scholarships for students attending two-year colleges and $10,000 scholarships for students attending four-year colleges. Scholarships will be disbursed directly to the recipient's educational institution in installments of $2,500 per year. Failure to comply with the following conditions may result in the suspension or revocation of scholarship awards.
Q: I am already in college. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: No. The Esperanza Scholarship is open only to high school seniors.
Q: I have a GED and want to go to college. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: You are not eligible for the Esperanza Scholarship for high school seniors. However, you may be eligible for the Esperanza Scholarship for GED holders. Please go to http://www.esperanzafund.org for more information.
Q: I live in California but want to attend college in Virginia. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: No. The Esperanza Scholarship is open only to students graduating from high schools located in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Q: I live in Virginia but want to attend college in California. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Q: I want to go to a community college. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria. The Esperanza Scholarship provides $5,000 two-year scholarships for students to attend community college.
Q: I am currently in community college and want to transfer to a four-year college. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: No. The Esperanza Scholarship is open only to high school seniors.
Q: I did not take the SAT or ACT. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: Yes. If your college did not require you to take the SAT or ACT, you are not required to submit a score report.
Q: What is the Esperanza Education Fund's College Board code?
A: The Esperanza Education Fund does not have a College Board code. Please make a copy of your score report in case you are selected as a finalist.
Q: I have applied to several schools, but I haven't decided where I will go yet. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: Yes, as long as you applied to a public school and understand that you will not receive any scholarship funds if you do not enroll in a public college or university. If you apply for the scholarship and later decide to go to a private school, please email us at apply@esperanzafund.org so that we can disregard your application.
Q: I am not sure if the school I want to attend is public or private. How can I tell?
A: Check on the school's website or call the school's admissions office. Most community colleges are public. State schools are public. Some popular public schools in the region include:
Q: I was born in the United States, and only one of my parents is an immigrant. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: No. The Esperanza Scholarship is open only to immigrants (born outside the United States) and children of two immigrants.
Q: My family is from Puerto Rico. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: No. Because Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, they are not considered immigrants.
Q: I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Can I apply for the Esperanza Scholarship?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria. The Esperanza Scholarship is open to all immigrant students, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.