Ralph R. Hernandez Bilingual Education Scholarship

The Hispanic Heritage Council of Western NY, Inc. will start accepting applications this coming January 1st, 2027, for its Ralph R. Hernandez Bilingual Education Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a WNY student enrolled in a college or university program leading to certification as a teacher in any grade or subject, with preference given to those pursuing a bilingual education degree.

NEW APPLICATIONS will be available later, for the NEXT academic year.

Despite being past the application date for this year, you can review these PDFs from this past year, which contain:

1. Ralph R. Hernandez Bilingual Education Scholarship Eligibility, Checklist and Application
2. Ralph R. Hernandez Bilingual Education Scholarship Form for Reference(s)

Questions? You can call us at 716-402-1HHC (1442)

Eligibility guidelines for this upcoming scholarship opportunity are as follows:

1. Must be an individual of Hispanic ethnicity [direct descendant of Hispanic parent(s)/grandparent(s)]
2. Must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program leading to certification to teach in any grade or subject (Preference will be given to candidates enrolled in a Bilingual Education Program)
3. Must have a grade point average at least 2.75 if previously enrolled in college; high school final average of 85 or above if a recent high school graduate.
4. Must be a resident of one of the six (6) counties of Western New York: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, or Allegany Counties and attend an institution in one of these regions.
5. Applicants must show a dedicated commitment to the Hispanic Community.
6. Must be present at our annual Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff at the central library (date to be announced, typically mid-September)
7. Recipients must serve one year as a student representative to the HHC.

Previous HHC Scholarship Award recipients are not eligible. There will be ONE $500 scholarship awarded.

Applicants will need to provide:

1. A typed 200-word essay indicating your personal history, goals, commitment to the Hispanic Community (Please include any special circumstances.)
2. A recent resume including your work/volunteer experience for the past two years.
3. Recent letters of recommendations (within the year), signed and dated, and/or the scholarship recommendation forms (attached) from professors, counselors, community or religious leaders and/or employers. At least one of the recommendations must be from a faculty member or teacher whose class you attended. We encourage you to obtain this as soon as possible. Recommendations must include the contact phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the individuals making the recommendations.
4. A statement from your college registrar reflecting that you are currently registered in a teacher preparation program for the fall, 2028- 2029 semester for at least 12 credit hours*
5. A copy of your fall 2028- 2029 schedule.*
6. A copy of your college/university transcript or your last high school report card showing a grade point average of 2.75 or higher or a final average of 85 or higher. A transcript including the most recent grades must be provided for graduate students. Transcripts may be unofficial copies.
7. Photo ID. (birth certificate, passport, or non-driver's ID)

*Schedule and evidence of enrollment to may be submitted separately as they become available, but must be submitted prior to disbursement of funds.

References will be asked to rate applicants as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor, in the following areas:

• Academic Achievement, Persistence, Seriousness of Purpose, Self-Discipline, Intellectual Curiosity, Organizational Skills, and Commitment to the Hispanic Community

SUNY Erie Community College Full Scholarship Proposal
Pathways to Prosperity ECC Foundation Scholarship Program

Overview:

The Pathways to Prosperity Scholarship is a transformative opportunity offered by SUNY Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) to support the academic and professional growth of local students. This two-year full scholarship program is specifically designed for graduates or participants of the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund, Buffalo Prep, BCAT, Northland Workforce Training Center, Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute and Per Scholas Buffalo programs. By building on the foundational work of these exceptional organizations, SUNY Erie aims to provide a seamless, supported transition into higher education, leading to stable, high-demand careers.

Scholarship Purpose:

This scholarship aimes to:

• Remove financial barriers to college access for motivated students from underrepresented and underserved communities.
• Foster academic achievement, career readiness, and social mobility.
• Strengthen workforce pipelines in Western New York by supporting students in high-demand, skilled trades, technology, and health-related fields.

Eligability Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate or participant of BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund, Buffalo Prep, BCAT, Northland Workforce Training Center, Hispanic Heritage Cultural Center and Per Scholas Buffalo.
• Be accepted and enrolled in a 2-year associate degree or certificate program at SUNY Erie.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 during their studies.
• Demonstrate commitment to completing their chosen program within two years (or program duration).
• Receive selection by their affiliate organization, i.e. BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund, Buffalo Prep, BCAT, Northland Workforce Training Center, Hispanic Heritage Cultural Center and Per Scholas Buffalo A maximum of one participant per organization will receive the award in Fall 2027.

Scholarship Details:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Award: $1,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and supplies – refundable to the student. This award is for 2 years.
• The ECC Foundation can be contacted to discuss unique cases.
• Students will be selected by their partner agency and the agency will notify the ECC Foundation.

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