The NHHF Scholarship

In 2004, NHHF established the National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship program and its first Gala in New York City for medical, nursing, dental, public health, pharmacy and policy students with outstanding academic records, leadership, and who are committed to serving Hispanics. The following year, we invited the National Association of Hispanic Nurses,  Hispanic Dental Association, Latino Caucus of American Public Health Association, the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, NYU and an honorary committee of NY elected officials, to help us present our first ten scholarships. In 2007, NHHF started its partnership with the United Health Foundation in this unique national effort and the following year, a second annual Gala in California. By Dec. 2017, NHHF will have awarded $806,000 to 242 awardees.

Below there is a list of FAQ for the 2018 Scholarship. For other questions regarding the NHHF Scholarship, please contact scholarship@nhmafoundation.org

Our 2018 Scholarship Application will be open May 1, 2018

Scholarship 2018 FAQs

1.Who is eligible to apply for the 2018 Scholarship?

The 2018 National Hispanic Health Professional Scholarship is open to any student enrolled full time in the following accredited graduate programs: Dental, Medical (allopathic or osteopathic), Pharmacy, Nursing(accepting BSN), Public Health or Health Policy. Eligible students must be enrolled full time for the 2018-19 academic year. We will not consider any health professions not listed above. High school and undergraduate students are NOT eligible for this scholarship except for BSN students.

2. Are applicants required to be Hispanic?

Applicants are not required to be Hispanic; an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities and an interest in participating in NHHF Scholars Alumni activities is required.

3. What are the requirements for the Personal Statement?

The personal statement should be exactly that – personal. Tell us what sets you apart from other students. Why you are interested in Hispanic Health issues and what your plans are to address those issues once you begin working in your profession. Make sure you are detailing what you want the reviewer to know about you as a student leader committed to serving the Hispanic community in the United States. Remember to also include your curriculum vitae to list your leadership and health-related accomplishments.

4. I am not a U.S. Citizen, can I still apply?

U.S. Citizens, permanent lawful residents, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are eligible to apply.

5. Who is eligible to write my recommendation letter?

A current/past professor or supervisor is required to write your recommendation letter.  Your recommendation letter should be included in your completed scholarship application.  If your recommender prefers, they can email it to us directly at scholarship@nhmafoundation.org using the following subject line with your information: “[Your Full Name]- Letter of Recommendation”.

If the case with your recommender is that they can only mail the letter, they can do so to our DC office at NHHF Scholarship 2017 c/o National Hispanic Medical Association 1920 L Street NW, Suite 725 Washington, D.C. 20036.

6.What is the scholarship deadline?

The application deadline is October 1, 2018 at5:00 pm EST.  Any applications received past the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

7. Where should I send my completed scholarship application?

NHHF has gone paperless. The link for the application can be found here after May 1st, 2018. Documents can be directly uploaded to this form. Any Letter of Recommendations can be e-mailed to scholarship@nhmafoundation.org or mailed (if absolutely necessary) to 1920 L street NW Suite 725 Washington, D.C. 20036.

8. Can I apply more than once?

Past applicants may apply only if they did not receive an award.

9. I missed the scholarship deadline. Is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately, we do not accept applications past the deadline. If you missed the deadline, we invite you to apply for the 2019 scholarship. Applications are posted between May – June.

10. How many students receive scholarship per year?

We will award around 15- 20 scholarships this year.

11. I am interested in applying to your scholarship, but I am in another health profession that is not listed.  Am I still eligible?

Unfortunately, only health professions explicitly stated in this application will be eligible for the scholarship.  We are working hard to expand funding to additional health professional programs and encourage you to check back with us next May.

12. Do I need an official transcript?

We do not require an official transcript. Transcripts should have the student’s full name and date of birth listed.

13.I am currently enrolled to begin a graduate program and have no GPA or transcript yet.  What should I do?

Please submit your official enrollment in your graduate degree program. Make sure you have at least 9 graduate credit hours “in progress.” Also include your official transcripts from your undergraduate if Fall 2018 is the first semester of your graduate program.

14. I’m in high school or college, am I eligible for any of your awards?

Those seeking undergraduate degrees in pre-med, biology, chemistry, public health, health policy are NOT eligible except for students in the BSN program. Please check back with us in a few years when you are entering your graduate program. If you are an undergrad and are interested in working with NHMA, please be sure to check out our College Health Scholars Program

15.My grade point average is under the required criteria of 3.0.  Would I still be eligible to apply for your awards?

No, you must meet the minimum grade point requirements to be eligible.  (Example, a 2.98 GPA will not be rounded to a 3.0)

16.Do I need to be a National Hispanic Medical Association member to apply?

No; membership is preferred, not required. However if you are interested in becoming a member please visit: http://bit.ly/NHMA-Mem 

17.If I have already received an award from the National Hispanic Health Foundation, am I still eligible to apply?

No, past awardees are not eligible to reapply.

18. What are the qualifications?

• 3.0 GPA or Passing (fail/pass system)
• exceptional academic performance, documented leadership activities, and have a commitment to a career providing healthcare services to the Hispanic community in the US
• open to any student enrolled full time in the following accredited graduate programs: Dental, Medical (allopathic or osteopathic), Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health or Health Policy

19.REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS?

• Personal statement or essay, including career goals (double-spaced, two-page maximum)
• Current curriculum vitae (education, employment, extracurricular activities, awards)
• Letter of recommendation (one letter only)
• Unofficial copy of school transcripts

NOTE: if it is your first year and you do not have a current transcript of upcoming classes, you need to provide an enrollment verification from your university to show you are accepted into health professional graduate schools in addition to past year’s transcript.