Virtual Ceremonies
Community Service
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Engineering
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Green category
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Technology
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Journalism & Media
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The 27-year-old Youth Awards have recognized thousands of high school students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for their achievements in the classroom, community, and focus on career paths in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time innovation grant to fund their college education or support a community service effort addressing a social issue. Additionally, one national awardee is selected in each category.
Once selected, recipients are celebrated in virtual ceremonies and become part of the LOFT (Leaders On Fast Track) Network, a collective of 300,000+ students and young professionals with access to mentors, resources, networking opportunities, workshops, symposia, summits, internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.
Must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale
Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2026
Must enroll at an accredited higher education institution in 2026-2027
If selected, attendance to virtual regional awards ceremony is mandatory
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale
Be currently enrolled in high school and graduating in the spring of 2026
Must enroll at an accredited higher education institution in 2026-2027
If selected, attendance to virtual regional awards ceremony is mandatory
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Each year, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation honors national recipients of the Youth Awards. This exceptional group is selected from regional Youth Awards winners, representing all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., and celebrated in virtual ceremonies.
This outstanding new class of Leaders Of Today will continue the 27-year tradition of innovative leadership, academic excellence, and societal impact established by past Youth awardees.
Colgate-Palmolive is a long-standing partner of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and has sponsored Haz La U grants for deserving high school students since 2009. HHF is committed to celebrating excellence in the classroom and community with programs like Haz La U through the Youth Awards.
Click on the map above to view recipients and their bios!
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Our programs and events are always free to attend and open to all.
