The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium’s I Am A Number Campaign
Photo by Alberto Jimenez Photography
The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) hosted its annual I Am a Number, at the home of John Hogg, M.D. (HSC Board President) and David Garza (HSC Board of Director).The event gave donors the opportunity to invest in a pool of highly motivated students eager to earn college degrees and give back to the community with 100% of proceeds to benefit HSC scholarship programs.
The I Am a Number campaign is focused on the impact that individual donors have when investing in HSC scholars. In collaboration with other organizations, funds are often matched with dollars raised so that sizeable financial assistance can be awarded. The majority of existing students are the first in their families to go to college and are funded each year they are in school, reapply, and keep up their Grade Point Averages; part of HSC’s focus on degree attainment as well as college access. HSC’s unique combination of critical financial assistance with ongoing support services like mentoring, personal and professional development, community building, and guidance continues to empower scholars to graduate as workforce ready leaders engaged in their community. Nursing student and HSC scholar Jessica Ybarra expressed, “With the support from Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) I am constantly gaining invaluable knowledge and expanding my education which would otherwise not be possible. Thanks to the generosity of HSC and my sponsors my dreams are becoming a reality.
U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett shared, “It is critical that organizations like HSC and its volunteers step up to meet the challenges our young people face regarding financial assistance. Without their efforts, countless students will not be able to access higher education, nor will they be ready to compete in a global economy.”
HSC was presented a $10,000 check for scholarship programs that evening by State Farm agents. Jose Peña, one of the State Farm Insurance agents, “This is a great opportunity for State Farm agents to have a positive impact on Hispanic students in their communities. With the growing population of Hispanic students in the Greater Austin Area schools and eventual shift in majority, it is important for Hispanic students have access to funds for an education to ensure we have an educated workforce in the future. We are hoping to expand the program and working with HSC to develop a state wide program.” Executive Director Laura Duran, shared, “We are overjoyed by State Farm’s investment in HSC and the students we serve. This collaboration means that even more young Latinos will be able to reach their aspirations including a college degree.”
Hispanic Scholarship Consortium’s Impact
• 40 scholars have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees since 2005.
• An additional 17 will earn degrees in the spring of 2011.
• HSC has awarded $800,650 in renewable financial assistance since 2005.
• Currently, HSC serves 78 scholars at 23 institutions of higher education.
• 100% of HSC Scholars are of Hispanic origin.
• 100% of HSC Scholars come from low moderate income households.
• 100% of HSC Scholars receive federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid to attend college.
By Monica Pena
Austin Times Staff
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