18th Annual Youth Award Application Opens!

Opportunity for Young Latino Leaders to be Celebrated at Ceremonies, Receive Educational Grants, and Join Leadership Pipeline in College, Community and Workforce

 WASHINGTON, DC – Latino high school rising seniors across the United States can apply to the Youth Awards program presented for the 18^th year by Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). The 2016 Youth Awards applications are available here, and must be submitted no later than October 2, 2016. Students must demonstrate leadership in the classroom and community in addition to an interest in one of the various categories (see below). Awardees receive a grant for their education or to support a social innovation effort.

• Business & Entrepreneurship (Presented by BBVA Compass)
• Community Service (Presented by Colgate-Palmolive)
• Education (Presented by Southwest Airlines, Official Airline of the Youth Awards)
• Engineering (Presented by ExxonMobil)
• Healthcare & Science (Presented by CVS Health)
• Mathematical Science (Presented by PwC)

The 2016 Youth Awards regional ceremonies will take place in the fall (November – December), in the following areas: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Jose, and Washington, DC. Influential audiences and speakers will take place in honor of the students and their families at top universities. In each of the regions, three students (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be honored in each of the categories. Students from the United States can apply in the region nearest to their area of residence. After the Youth Awards Regional Ceremonies conclude, one national recipient will be recognized in each of the categories and celebrated at the National Youth Awards with celebrities.

In addition, HHF will also recognize a parent or guardian who has had a significant impact in the student’s academic success. They will receive the “Learning Hero” award, sponsored by Learning Hero’s Network.

HHF President and CEO Jose Antonio Tijerino said, “As the fastest growing segment of the population, it is important we meet America’s priorities in the education, community and workforce.  Beyond celebrating the young leaders, they are funneled into our ‘leadership cycle,’ which will put them on a fast track for leadership in the classroom, community, and workforce.  It starts with the Youth Awardees who embody the promising future of America.”

HHF’s award-winning LOFT leadership and workforce development program is divided into 10 priorities or Tracks including Innovation & Technology, Engineering, Science, Healthcare, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, Public Service, Media & Entertainment, and Latinas.  Tens of thousands of students and young professionals (ages 15-35) in the LOFT Network are connected to each other, mentors and resources; attend over 75 trainings, workshops, and informal Charlas hosted across the country and online; creative initiatives are developed and executed; and hundreds are placed into internships, mentorships, fellowships and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. LOFT has been recognized by The White House, Congress, the government of Mexico, Fortune 500 companies, and other nonprofits.  Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of the LOFT program.

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which was originally established by the White House in 1988, inspires, prepares, positions and connects Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.  HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Silicon Valley, and the LOFT Institute is housed at Michigan State University (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.)

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