Vamos Scholarship 2023-24

VAMOS Scholarship General Eligibility

The VAMOS Scholarship General Eligibility requirements are as follows, and the application opens on December 1, 2023:

1. Scholarship Application: You must complete the scholarship application.
2. High School Transcript: Submit an official high school transcript that includes your GPA, class rank, and class size.
3. Resume: Provide a comprehensive student resume.
4. SAT/ACT Scores: Include your SAT/ACT scores in the application.
5. Income Tax Return: Submit your parent’s income tax return (redact SSNs) used for the FAFSA application.
6. Student Aid Report (SAR): Include your SAR in the application.
7. Financial Aid Award Letter: Provide your financial aid award letter.
8. Letters of Recommendation: Obtain two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, principals, or other professional staff.
9. Pell Grant Eligibility: You must be eligible for the Pell Grant.
10. Enrollment Plans: Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public, or private four-year university for the 2023 Fall Semester.
11. Essay (600 words): Write a 600-word essay that covers the following topics:

• Personal statement
• Your academic and career goals
• Why you believe obtaining a higher education degree is necessary
• Any obstacles or exceptional/difficult circumstances that inspired your pursuit of post-secondary education
• Closing statement

HSF/VAMOS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the HSF/VAMOS Scholarship:

1. Citizenship Status: Be a US citizen, legal permanent resident, or qualifying non-US citizen.
2. Location: Be a high school senior residing in Hidalgo, Starr, or Cameron County.
3. Academic Performance: Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Pell Grant Qualification: Qualify for a Pell Grant.
5. Enrollment Intentions: Plan to enroll as a full-time freshman at a four-year accredited institution in the USA, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or Guam.
6. Financial Aid Application: Intend to apply for federal financial assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

VAMOS/UTRGV Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

1. Graduating Senior: Be a graduating high school senior from Hidalgo, Starr, or Cameron County with the intention to enroll at UTRGV.
2. Citizenship Status: Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
3. Academic Standing: Rank among the top 25% of their graduating class.
4. Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need and achieve Pell Grant eligibility as determined by the UTRGV School Funding Office and FAFSA.

Vamos Scholarship Application Process:

1. Eligibility Check:
   • Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, Vamos Scholarships are awarded to Hispanic students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, have a minimum GPA requirement, and plan to attend an accredited college or university.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Collect all necessary documents, which may include:
     • High school transcripts
     • Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
     • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information
     • Letters of recommendation
     • A personal statement or essay
     • Any other documents specified in the application guidelines.
3. Complete the Application:
   • Visit the Vamos Scholarship website and access the online application form. Create an account if required.
4. Fill Out the Application:
   • Complete all sections of the application, providing accurate information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and financial status.
5. Write Your Essay:
   • Craft a well-written personal statement or essay. This is often a crucial part of the application where you can highlight your achievements, aspirations, and how the scholarship would benefit you.
6. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can speak to your character, abilities, and potential.
7. Submit Transcripts:
   • Ensure that your high school transcripts are sent to the scholarship committee. Some scholarships may also require college transcripts if you are already attending college.
8. Complete the FAFSA:
   • You may need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your financial need. Be sure to include the Vamos Scholarship as a recipient of your FAFSA information.
9. Review and Submit:
   • Carefully review your application for any errors or missing information. Once you are confident that everything is complete, submit your application.