About the LAEF Scholarship

The Latin American Educational Foundation offers scholarships to Colorado residents of Latino heritage or those who demonstrate a commitment to the Latino community. The 2024-2025 application is open to graduating high school seniors planning to pursue postsecondary education at the undergraduate level (including trades, certifications, 2-year, 4-year) and must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted). Scholarships are open to all learners regardless of documentation or citizenship status.
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LAEF provides students and their families with the resources and services needed to make attending college a reality. In addition to scholarship support, LAEF scholars receive personalized guidance and career advising from LAEF, making connections that last a lifetime.
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A review committee will select recipients based on financial need, leadership potential, character, and service to the Latino community. The average scholarship size awarded by LAEF is $2,500 per academic year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, we are increasing awards to $3000. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition/fees, books/supplies, room and board, and required materials.

For more information or questions contact: scholarships@laef.org

FAQs

How do I apply for the LAEF Scholarship?

‍Applicants must register on our online portal through AwardSpring™ to complete the LAEF Scholarship application when it opens. The link to our application portal is: https://laef.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships
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Apply for the LAEF Scholarship Application (Graduating HS Seniors only)

San Luis Valley Delta Dental Scholarship Application (Residents of San Luis Valley only)

When is the application open?

The scholarship application will open on Monday, January 15, 2024 and will close on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM MST.

For which academic year is the scholarship application available?

This 2024 scholarship application will be for funds to be used in the 2024-2025 academic year.

When will recipients be notified?

All applicants will be notified of a decision via the e-mail address that you provide on the scholarship application. All applicants will receive a decision notification no later than May 31, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?

• All Colorado residents - regardless of legal residency status or citizenship
• Self-identify as Latino or are committed to serving the Latino community in the state of Colorado.
• Cumulative high school or college GPA of 3.0
• High school seniors (for the 2024 - 2025 academic year)

What documentation do I need to submit to apply?

• Unofficial transcript
• Written statements
• One letter of recommendation
• Student aid report if FAFSA or CAFSA is completed

What if I am legally independent?

If a student is legally independent, you will be required to provide proof of emancipation or independence. Specific instructions can be found in the online application or please contact our office if you have further questions on this topic.

If I am already in college, do I need to submit an ACT/SAT score or high school GPA?

No. If you are already in college, you do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores or high school transcripts.

How does LAEF award my scholarship money?

LAEF will mail your scholarship check directly to your college in two equal payments. Half will be disbursed in the fall of 2024 and the remaining half will be disbursed in the spring of 2025.

For example: if you are awarded a $2,000 LAEF scholarship, your school will receive $1,000 in the fall and $1000 in the spring. You must complete the verification form by the stated deadline (this form will be sent after you are awarded). If you transfer schools, it is your responsibility to inform LAEF in a timely manner to receive your scholarship award to the correct school.

What does the LAEF Scholarship cover?

LAEF Scholarship funds can be used toward tuition/fees, room and board, books/supplies, and all required materials.

Where can I use my LAEF Scholarship?

LAEF scholarship funds can only go to a United States two or four-year college, non-profit, accredited college or university. Funds must be used to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree. LAEF funds can also be applied at some Colorado trade/technical schools. Please contact the office if you want to verify that your institution is eligible. Students may use the LAEF Scholarship to cover costs of an international or experiential learning program that is provided in conjunction with their academic institution.

Is the LAEF Scholarship renewable?

Yes, the LAEF scholarship is renewable. Current LAEF scholars are required to complete the renewal application every year to maintain their award.

Outreach & Education

Our goal is to minimize barriers for Latino students to attain their college degree.

The Latin American Educational Foundation provides students and their families with the resources and services needed to help make attending college a reality. LAEF offers personalized guidance in navigating the college-going process including: college planning and transition, enrollment and registration assistance, financial aid guidance, coaching and mentoring, and career planning.

High School Presentations, Visits and Workshops

LAEF’s resources and services are provided in community forums, workshops and presentations. One-on-one scheduled and walk-in appointments to help students with individualized needs are available to students at no cost. Workshops are available for scholars and community members. Visit our events page and social media feeds to stay connected on the latest dates.

Partnerships Focused on Latino Student Success

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative works to reduce barriers to postsecondary education by providing funding across the state for student programming. COSI programs offer student scholarships and support services. Programs include Matching Student Scholarships, Community Partner Program, Back to Work, Finish What You Started, Fund My Future, and Second Chance Scholarship.

Learn more about COS

Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of LatinXs

Through our partnerships, LAEF is partnering with CoCEAL to help prepare post-secondary students for higher education success. We know high school graduation and preparation plays a significant role in our scholars’ ability to achieve the best opportunities for higher education degrees.

CoCEAL is a coalition of post-secondary and professional educators devoted to the educational success of the state’s LatinX population. The group grew out of a larger, statewide Hispanic Association of College and University group that began to meet in earnest in July of 2008. The intent of the group is to build a sustainable coalition of professional educators at the post-secondary level who will actively participate in the state-level and national post-secondary education agenda with a targeted and particular focus on success for the LatinX residents of the state of Colorado.

Learn more about CoCEAL

Colorado Council on High School/College Relations

The Colorado Council on High School/College Relations is a volunteer member organization comprised of Colorado high school counselors and college admission staff who work together to help educate and assist students in achieving their higher educational goals. Their mission is to foster cooperation and collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions to empower and inspire Colorado students to reach their full educational potential.

Learn more about CCHS/CR

The Colorado Higher
Education Partnership

In 1989, LAEF began a collaborative effort with many of Colorado’s colleges, universities and vocational schools to increase Latino enrollment and retention. Through the Colorado Higher Education Partnership, the Colorado institutions listed below will provide matching funds for LAEF scholarship awards, thereby potentially doubling a student's scholarship and maximizing financial resources for our scholars.

Delta Dental of Colorado Partnership

Are you a San Luis Valley student and interested in pursuing a career in oral healthcare?

The Latin American Educational Foundation was awarded a three-year, $225,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation in 2023 to support its commitment to oral health equity, addressing workforce shortages, and diversifying the oral health profession.

The oral health profession is struggling to meet the needs of Colorado’s growing population, particularly in rural areas such as the San Luis Valley. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, all six valley counties are in Dental Care Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning there are not enough providers to meet the need.

The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is focusing on root-cause solutions over the long-term, and we believe that supporting students in this way now will lead to more valley providers in the future.

Read more about this program in the Alamosa Citizen. Students awarded scholarships to further oral health careers - Alamosa Citizen

Applications open with our general scholarship opportunity on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.

Programs

LAEF Scholarship

FAQs

Outreach & Education

Partnerships Focused on Latino Student Success

The Colorado Higher Education Partnership

The Colorado Higher
Education Partnership