Dr Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Introduction
Since 1994, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) has distributed more than $1.625 million in scholarships and internships to students from underrepresented communities. A signature award, the Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders, honors Hispanic students who demonstrate the same dedication to servant leadership exemplified by Dr. Andrade.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited two- or four-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
- Applicants must show documented financial need.
- At least one parent or guardian must be of Hispanic ancestry.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA recipients and undocumented students, may apply.
- Applicants must be full-time undergraduates for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students (freshmen, sophomores, juniors) up to age 25.
- Award amounts: a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 for students at four-year institutions; $500 for students enrolled in (or intending to enroll in) a two-year community college.
Application requirements
Essays (required)
1. Personal Background (500–1,000 words): Describe your background — family (parents/guardian, siblings), life experiences, and/or work history that have shaped you. Identify your most important accomplishment and explain any obstacles you overcame to achieve it.
2. Leadership Essay (500–1,000 words): Discuss the future of Latinos/Hispanics in the United States, the leadership qualities that will be needed, and the role you hope to play. Explain how your leadership will benefit your community and what support USHLI could provide to help you reach your goals.
3. Optional Essay: Any additional information you believe is relevant to your candidacy.
Required documents
- Portrait photo: A recent, high-resolution color headshot (no selfies). File formats accepted: PNG, JPG, or GIF. Image should have a 2.5 x 3.5 ratio and be suitable for printed materials announcing recipients.
- Resume: One-page resume in PDF format summarizing work experience, academic accomplishments, and other pertinent information.
- Unofficial transcript: The most recent transcript in PDF. (College freshmen should upload their high school transcript.)
Recommendations
- Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters should speak to the applicant’s leadership potential, academic performance, and commitment or capacity to serve their community.
- You must provide contact information for each reference in your application. After you submit, your listed references will receive an email with instructions for uploading their letter.
- Required: one academic reference and one professional or community-service reference (examples: teacher, advisor, supervisor, employer, coach).
- All recommendation letters must be submitted by December 30, 2025.
If you have questions about eligibility or materials, contact USHLI for clarification before the application deadline.