Latino Scholarship Program

As a result of support from the Hispanic Chamber, the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), Meyer Memorial Trust, and individual donors, the Latino Scholarship Program was established as an endowment at OCF to provide a long-term source of college scholarships for Latino students.

2021 Scholarship Application Now Closed

The deadline for applications was January 31, 2021.

2020 Scholarship Recipients

Due to the current health situation the Hispanic Chamber has taken this year’s annual scholarship ceremony to its online platforms. We would like to acknowledge our Keynote Speaker, Danna Diaz, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for Reynolds School District for her inspiring address to our students and our event sponsor Prosper Portland for their support of our virtual award ceremony. We would also like to congratulate our scholarship recipients and thank our donors.

The Statistics

Latinos now represent 12% of our state population, that is a 72% increase since the year 2,000! As the Latino population increases in Oregon, education remains a key issue. Nationally and locally, Latinos have the highest drop out rate. In Oregon, 13% of Latino students leave high school compared to 6.3% for all Oregonians.

21% Of Latino adults in Oregon (25 and over) have earned an associate degree or higher vs 41% of all adults in Oregon. An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education identifies family income as a major obstacle to Hispanic college success.

Latino students in Oregon have a 42% graduation rate vs 48% for White students, that is a 6% equity gap. Today, one of every four new workers entering the labor force is Hispanic. An educated Latino population is fundamental to the future productivity of our local and national economy. For this reason, the Hispanic Chamber has chosen to support Latino students that are breaking down barriers and pursuing a higher education.

Donations Make A Difference

To provide support and encourage Latino students to continue their higher education, The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber provides annual scholarship awards to qualifying applicants. Since 1996, the Hispanic Chamber has awarded $2.2 million in individually and corporate-sponsored scholarships, to 899 Latino students throughout Oregon and SW Washington.

The Hispanic Chamber is a 501c3, non-profit organization.

Federal identification number: 93-1156358.

100% of your donation will go directly to supporting a Latino scholarship recipient in Oregon and SW Washington.

Make A Scholarship Donation

General Requirements

  • Applicant must be of Hispanic ancestry, permanently residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington
  • Applicant must be currently attending a high school in Oregon or Clark County, Washington or have attended a high school in Oregon OR Clark County, Washington and currently enrolled in an accredited college.
  • Applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA as evidenced by a high school or college transcript.
  • Applicants will be evaluated on academics, extra-curricular activities, community service, written essays and letters of recommendation.
  • Applicant must be enrolled by September 2020 in an accredited community college, 4-year college or university, or an accredited graduate degree program

College Aid Links

The good folks at the Chamber have taken some time to gather a wide array of useful resources for prospective college students. Take a look at what we have listed and let us know of any resources that we should add to the list.

Resources for prospective college students

Participating Schools