09.16.21
Colgate-Palmolive Company is now accepting applications for its annual Haz la U ("Make the U") educational grant program for the 2022-2023 academic year. In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), the program aims to address the financial needs that Latinx students may face on their journey for higher education.
For over 10 years, Colgate has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to award Haz La U scholarships through their annual Youth Awards.
"We're extremely proud to continue our partnership with Colgate for the Haz la U grant by providing educational assistance to Latinx students, which will get them a step closer to achieving their higher education goals," said Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation. "This important effort with Colgate through our Youth Awards program will showcase the tremendous talent and potential of our youth. These scholarships will help young leaders continue on their track to making an impact on our community and America."
Thirty-one educational grants totaling $100,000 will be awarded to Latinx high school students throughout the U.S. who have demonstrated academic excellence, volunteerism, and leadership within their communities. Applications are now officially open and will close on Nov. 14, 2021.
This year, Colgate has created a film that features the story of Lizbeth Luevano, a 2019 Haz La U grant recipient. Lizbeth grew up in California's Coachella Valley in a mixed status household. Her father was a field worker and her mother helped raise over 10 children in her neighborhood, instilling the values that define her today: dedication, compassion, and a desire to help others. As a result, Lizbeth is attending Stanford University where she plans to major in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity and Earth Systems.
"It was difficult seeing that disparity between my other middle-class peers, having to realize that there were things that were accessible to them that weren't accessible to me," said Lizbeth Luevano. "As a recipient of the Haz La U grant it has given me the opportunity to attend Stanford University and ultimately pursue a career in immigration law. My hope for the future is living in a space where I can see my neighbors thrive, where I can see my neighbors have the same accessibility to an education."
On the regional level, The Haz La U grant program will award 10 Gold level grants of $4,000 each; 10 Silver level grants of $3,000 each; and 10 Bronze level grants of $2,000 each. One regional winner will receive a national level grant of $10,000. To watch Lizbeth's story, apply and learn more about Haz la U ("Make the U") visit Colgate.com/MakeTheU.