Attend SUNY or CUNY tuition free!
Adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less
Pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university
Enroll full-time in your program of study and complete at least 30 credits per year in your program of study
Live and work in New York State for a duration equal to the number of years you received the scholarship
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has partnered with Café Bustelo® to award twenty-five $5,000 El Café del Futuro Scholarships. The scholarships are available to undergraduate students of all majors who are enrolled full-time at a four-year HACU-member institution.
The El Café del Futuro Scholarships are available to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Must have applied for and received financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year.
Must be considered a first-generation college student. (Student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not complete a four-year bachelor’s degree from a university in the United States).
To apply, students must complete the online application and write an essay responding to the following topic:
“Describe how you celebrate Latin culture with your family, friends or community. How have these cultural experiences influenced your desire and motivation to obtain a college degree? Additionally, how do you plan to use your education to further support and uplift your community or profession?”
The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2026. For other eligibility requirements and to apply, click here. For any HACU scholarship program questions, please contact scholarship@hacu.net.
2026-27 Shawn Carter Foundation National Scholarship Application
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults. The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars. For over twenty years, the Shawn Carter Foundation has been committed to bridging the opportunity gap that exists across the education system. We firmly believe that nothing should prevent any individual from reaching their highest potential. Selection Process High school seniors, GED diploma holders, undergraduate students at 2 or 4-year colleges/universities, as well as students attending trade/technical/vocational schools who meet the requirements below are eligible to apply:
Applicant Criteria:
US Citizen or Permanent Resident
25 years old or younger
Minimum 2.0 GPA - First-time scholarship recipients generally have GPAs between 2.0 and 3.0 (students with GPAs above this range are still encouraged to apply)
Demonstrated Financial Need - On average, selected applicants have an annual household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less
Students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at an accredited, degree-granting institution
2026-27 Shawn Carter Foundation National Scholarship ApplicationSubmit by: Thursday, April 30, 2026 11:59 PM