The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) was established in 1978 by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders. CHCI’s educational services are designed to provide Latino students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in attaining a higher education. Its leadership development programs seek to help participants search for and understand, their identity as professionals, Latinos, and leaders. By bringing together individuals who share a commitment to serve their communities, CHCI endeavors to make its vision of an educated and civic-minded Latino community a reality.

Scholarship Awards

This premier scholarship opportunity is afforded to Latino students who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who plan to continue contributing in the future. There is no GPA or major requirement. Students with excellent leadership potential are encouraged to apply.

Recipients will receive a one-time scholarship of:

• $5,000 to attend a graduate-level academic institution; or

• $2,500 to attend a four-year academic institution; or

• $1,000 to attend a community college or AA/AS granting institution.

CHCI will be responsible for managing the disbursement of the scholarship monies to the recipients. In a two-fold effort to monitor the progress of scholarship recipients and promote college retention, total scholarship monies will be equally divided and distributed on a yearly basis as long as recipients maintain good academic standing (i.e. if you receive the scholarship as an entering freshman, your $2,500 award will be distributed in 4 equal installments of $625 a year). Scholarship awards are designed to cover tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other educational expenses associated with college enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Consistent active participation in public and/or community service activities

• Demonstrated financial need

• Good writing skills

• Full-time enrollment in an accredited community college, four-year university, or graduate/professional program during the period for which scholarship is requested

• U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency