2024 Scholarship FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply for the 2024 Scholarship?

The 2024 Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship is open to any current, full-time students, or recently admitted full-time students, for the 2024-2025 academic year. When applying, students should have a minimum of two years of study left before they expect to complete their degree in the following U.S. based accredited graduate programs:

  • Medicine: allopathic or osteopathic
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physician Assistant 
  • Nursing (including BSN)
  • Master of Public Health*

*NOTE:  Scholarships awarded to public health graduate students are provided solely by NHHF and do not use funds from the United Health Foundation.

 NOTE: Health professions NOT listed above will NOT be considered. High school and undergraduate students are NOT eligible for this scholarship EXCEPT for BSN students.

 

2. Are applicants required to be Hispanic?

Applicants are not required to be Hispanic. However, an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities and an interest in participating in NHHF Scholars Alumni activities is required.

3. What are the qualifications?

  • 3.0 GPA or Passing (pass/fail system)
  • Exceptional academic performance, documented leadership activities, and a commitment to a career providing healthcare services to the Hispanic community in the U.S.
  • Be a full-time student (within their first or second year of their academic program) or entering full-time student (with proof of enrollment) in one of the following accredited programs: Medicine (MD or DO); Dentistry; Pharmacy; Nursing (including BSN degree); Master of Public Health; and Physician Associate.        

4. What are the required supporting documents?

  • Personal statement, including career goals (double-spaced, two-page maximum)
  • Current curriculum vitae (education, employment, extracurricular activities, awards)
  • Letter of recommendation (one letter only)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship, residency, or DACA status
  • Proof of enrollment*
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Signed Media Release form 
  • Photo of applicant "in action" in their respective field

* Proof of enrollment is only required if you are entering your first year of your academic program at the time of completing your application.

5. What are the requirements for the Personal Statement?

The personal statement should be typed, double-spaced, with at least 1 inch margin. (2 page maximum)

The personal statement should be exactly that – personal. Tell us what sets you apart from other students. Why are you interested in Hispanic health issues and what are your plans to address those issues once you begin working in your profession? Ensure  you are detailing what you would like  the reviewer to know about you as a student leader committed to serving the Hispanic community in the United States. Remember to also include your curriculum vitae to list your leadership and health-related accomplishments.

 6. I am not a U.S. Citizen, can I still apply?

Only U.S. Citizens, permanent lawful residents, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are eligible to apply.

7. Who is eligible to write my recommendation letter?

A current/past professor or supervisor is required to write your recommendation letter. You are required to submit your letter of recommendation while completing the scholarship application. 

NOTE: If your recommender can only mail the letter, they can send it to our office:

National Hispanic Health Foundation
1920 L Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20036.

8. Where should I send my completed scholarship application?

NHHF has gone paperless. The link for the application can be found here. Documents can be directly uploaded to this form.

9. What is the scholarship deadline?

The application deadline is September 13, 2024, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Any applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

10. Can I apply more than once?

Past applicants may apply ONLY if they have not previously received an award. Additionally, the scholarship is limited to one award per family.

11. I missed the scholarship deadline. Is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately, we do not accept applications past the deadline. If you missed the deadline, we invite you to apply for the 2025 scholarship. Applications are posted between May – June.

12. How many students receive scholarships per year?

This year, approximately 35 students will be awarded.

13. I am interested in applying to your scholarship, but I am in another health profession that is not listed. Am I still eligible?

Unfortunately, only health professions explicitly stated in this application will be eligible for the scholarship. We are working hard to expand funding to additional health professional programs and encourage you to check back with us next year.

14. Do I need an official transcript?

We do not require an official transcript. Transcripts should have the student’s full name and date of birth listed.

15. I am currently enrolled to begin a graduate program and have no GPA or transcript yet. What should I do?

Please submit your official enrollment verification in your graduate degree program. Ensure you have at least 9 graduate credit hours “in progress.” Also, include your unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate school if Fall 2024 is the first semester of your graduate program.

16. My grade point average is under the required criteria of 3.0. Would I still be eligible to apply for your awards?

No, you must meet the minimum grade point requirements to be eligible. (Example, a 2.98 GPA will not be rounded to a 3.0)

17. Is there a specific format supporting documents should be in?

All documents should be in PDF format. You will NOT be able to upload any documents that are not in a PDF format.

Documents should also be named using the following format:
• FULL NAME – DOCUMENT NAME (i.e., personal statement, CV, etc.)